Joel Embiid injury update (Image via NBA)

Joel Embiid will not play Sunday night when the Philadelphia 76ers face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team has ruled him out due to a right ankle sprain along with ongoing right knee injury management.His status was clarified early in the day, removing any chance of a late change. Philadelphia now heads into a road game against the defending champions without its most important player, forcing another adjustment to the rotation.

Why is Joel Embiid ruled out against Oklahoma City Thunder (December 28, 2025)

Joel Embiid has been officially listed as out for the December 28 matchup. The decision is tied to two separate lower-body issues and confirms that he will not be available against the Thunder.

This continues a pattern from earlier in the season, where Embiid has missed games as the team manages his workload. The Sixers have made it clear they are prioritizing his health rather than pushing him through discomfort.

Details behind Joel Embiid’s injury status

The center is dealing with a right ankle sprain while also managing soreness in his right knee. The knee issue has already sidelined him for multiple stretches this season.While previous tests showed no structural damage, the team has remained cautious.

Embiid has often been listed as day-to-day, but Philadelphia has chosen rest over risk whenever symptoms persist.

Philadelphia 76ers injury report vs Oklahoma City (December 28, 2025)

Joel Embiid is not the only absence for Philadelphia. • Joel Embiid: Out (right ankle sprain, right knee injury management) • Kelly Oubre Jr.: Out (left knee injury, no confirmed return date) • Trendon Watford: Out (left adductor and hip strain, still sidelined)Oklahoma City enters the game in better shape. Nikola Topic and Ousmane Dieng are out, while Ajay Mitchell is questionable, but the Thunder remain close to full strength.

How Embiid’s absence impacts the matchup

Without Joel Embiid, the Sixers lose their main scoring option in the paint and their best defender near the rim. That puts added pressure on the perimeter and the remaining frontcourt players.Also read: Philadelphia 76ers vs Oklahoma City Thunder regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and moer (December 27, 2025)More responsibility will fall on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to generate offense. Defensively, Philadelphia’s backup bigs will be asked to hold their ground against Oklahoma City’s guards and flexible lineups rather than replace Embiid’s production.