The 76ers upgraded Joel Embiid from day-to-day to cleared on the Thursday, Oct. 8 injury report, making him available for Philadelphia's season opener. He is set to play at the Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET.
What happened
The 76ers listed Joel Embiid as cleared on the Thursday, Oct. 8 injury report, issued at 3:51 p.m. ET, lifting the day-to-day tag he had carried into the day. Philadelphia first put him on the report as day-to-day on Monday, Oct. 5, citing rest. No specific injury detail was attached to either listing, and the team added no comment on the Thursday report. The clearance means Embiid is available as Philadelphia opens its season Thursday night at the Nets.
What it means for the 76ers
Philadelphia opens its season Thursday at the Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET with Embiid available. Last season he averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 31.6 minutes over 38 games, and his clearance means the 76ers won't need to lean as hard on the scoring that filled in when he was out: Tyrese Maxey at 28.3 points in 38.0 minutes, Paul George at 17.3 points, VJ Edgecombe at 16.0 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. at 14.1 points and Quentin Grimes at 13.4 points. The 76ers are 0-0, since the 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record yet with or without him.
What to watch
Embiid's status will be updated on Philadelphia's next injury report ahead of its following game. No return timeline beyond Thursday has been announced, since he is already cleared. The 76ers will monitor his workload through the opening games of the 2026-27 season.
Is Joel Embiid playing at Nets?
Yes. The 76ers cleared him on the Thursday, Oct. 8 injury report, lifting the day-to-day tag he had carried since Monday, Oct. 5.
When will Joel Embiid be back?
He is already back. He was cleared for Thursday's game at the Nets, and no further absence has been announced.