Joel Embiid Injury Update: Sixers Star Confirmed to Play Tonight vs. Grizzlies After Ankle Scare

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has officially been cleared to play Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, quelling pre-game anxiety after he was listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain and ongoing right-knee management. The reigning MVP’s return arrives at a critical juncture for Philadelphia, which is riding a three-game skid and looking to close out 2025 on a winning note at FedExForum. Embiid tweaked his ankle late in last week’s loss to the Chicago Bulls and sat out Sunday’s blowout defeat in Oklahoma City. Despite the minor setback, team doctors cleared the seven-time All-Star after he moved well in morning shootaround, giving first-year head coach Nick Nurse his full Big Three for only the 14th time this season. Before the brief absence, Embiid averaged 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists over 13 appearances while shooting 44 percent from the floor, solid numbers considering he is still ramping up after offseason knee surgery. Philadelphia owns a 6-7 record when its franchise center suits up and sits seventh in the Eastern Conference at 16-14, just half a game behind the Miami Heat. Tuesday’s matchup presents a favorable interior draw: Memphis is without injured big men Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke, leaving Jaren Jackson Jr. as the lone rim-protecting regular. The Sixers hope Embiid’s low-post dominance can exploit that thin frontcourt and jump-start an offense that has sputtered to 104.3 points per game during the current slide. Equally important is Embiid’s chemistry with pick-and-roll partner Tyrese Maxey. When both share the floor, Philadelphia scores 118.6 points per 100 possessions, compared with just 109.4 without Embiid. Add Tobias Harris’ recent hot streak—he’s shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc over his last five games—and the Sixers believe they have the firepower to overwhelm a Grizzlies squad ranked 23rd in defensive rating. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on Embiid’s mobility in that first stint. If the ankle holds up, the 76ers could leave Memphis with momentum and a healthier outlook heading into a pivotal January schedule that features showdowns with Milwaukee and Boston. Fantasy managers, daily bettors and Philly fans alike should monitor Embiid’s minutes load, but the green light tonight is a welcome sign that the league’s most dominant center is ready to reassert himself in the MVP conversation.