The Philadelphia 76ers are being cautious with Joel Embiid’s return, but the reigning MVP has made it clear he’s not a fan of his limited workload, per Bleacher Report.
After offseason knee surgery, Embiid opened the 2025–26 season on a tight minutes restriction, playing only 20 minutes in each of the team’s first two games. While the Sixers remain undefeated, Embiid isn’t hiding how difficult it’s been to find his rhythm under those conditions.
“I’d rather not [have] minute restrictions, but I’d rather get it out of the way,” Embiid said after helping Philadelphia beat the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. “The longer I sit, the shorter stints, you don’t get in a rhythm. You play two, three minutes, and you’ve got to get out. Two or three, up and down? That’s literally nothing. I might as well just stay home and be with my family.”
The Sixers’ medical team is taking no chances after Embiid missed months of action last season due to lingering knee issues. In the opener against Boston, he made just one of nine field goals, struggling to get lift or timing before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter, Fansided reports.
Finding Rhythm Under Restriction
Saturday’s performance against Charlotte told a different story. Embiid scored 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep, in another 20-minute appearance. He looked far more comfortable and efficient, taking slightly longer shifts before being pulled midway through the third quarter.
Still, Embiid emphasized how hard it is to build momentum in short bursts. “Longer stints, you’re able to let the game come to you,” he added. “[When you’re coming out] every few minutes, it’s hard to get into the flow.”
Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed on Friday that the 20-minute cap remains in effect. “Until I hear differently, I assume it’s that, but it could slide at any time,” Nurse told Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin.
When asked about a timeline for an increase, Embiid admitted, “I have no idea. I make my case every day. If they listen to me, good. If they don’t, I guess that’s on them.”
Philadelphia’s plan to ease him back makes sense given his injury history, but the strategy could test Embiid’s patience. The Sixers need their superstar at full strength if they want to stay competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference. Balancing his health and rhythm will remain one of the team’s biggest early-season challenges.
What’s Next for Philadelphia
The Sixers, now 2–0, host the Orlando Magic on Monday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. However, Embiid won’t suit up. The team has ruled him out for “left knee injury management,” sitting him for the first game of a back-to-back set, Fast Philly Sports reports. He’s expected to return Tuesday against Orlando.
Philadelphia’s depth has been key to its hot start. Tyrese Maxey dropped 28 points against the Hornets, while Quentin Grimes added 24, knocking down five of eight from beyond the arc. Rookie VJ Edgecombe also impressed, giving the Sixers a jolt of energy off the bench.
For Embiid, the focus remains on getting healthy while staying mentally sharp through the early grind. “I guess I trust them,” he said. “Until I’m over it, I’m going to keep trying.”
Whether the Sixers loosen the reins soon or not, one thing is clear. Embiid wants to play, and he’s ready for his minutes to match his mindset.
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