Joel Embiid reacts during 76ers playoff absence as return timeline emerges
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Joel Embiid looks on as the 76ers await his potential return during their playoff series against the Celtics.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2025-26 campaign came to an embarrassing end at the hands of the division-rival New York Knicks.
The Knicks swept the Sixers in four games and beat them by 30 (144-114) on their home floor in the closing game of the series. To make matters worse, there were arguably more Knicks fans than Sixers fans in attendance in Philadelphia.
76ers’ Joel Embiid Says Season was a Success Despite Second-Round Exit
Joel Embiid
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
For Sixers fans, it’s another underwhelming ending to a once-promising season. The wait for an Eastern Conference finals appearance in Philadelphia will now stretch on another year. For Sixers star center Joel Embiid, it’s the sixth time in his career that he’s lost in the second round. He’s never been able to advance beyond it.
Despite the ultimate outcome, Embiid still views the ’25-26 season as a success. He explained why in his postgame press conference.
“I know we lost and I know that’s not the right mentality to have. But for me, this [season] was a success. I came into this season not knowing where I was going to be, how long I was going to play, if I was even going to play based on how the knee was the last few years,” Embiid said.
“I came in just hoping for the best, and I feel like we’re in a position where he figured out the knee. It hasn’t been an issue.”
This story will be updated.