Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the Golden State Warriors? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star
Joel Embiid injury update (Image via NBA) Joel Embiid will not play when the Philadelphia 76ers face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Chase Center. The team has ruled him out while continuing to manage problems with his right ankle and right knee.The decision is not tied to a new injury. Philadelphia has been monitoring Embiid’s workload, and this appears to be part of that approach. With the season moving toward its later stages, the priority is keeping him available for the playoffs rather than risking further strain.
Joel Embiid’s official status against the Golden State Warriors (February 3, 2026)
The Philadelphia 76ers listed Joel Embiid as OUT on the injury report with “right ankle injury management” and “right knee injury management.” Philadelphia is playing the first game of a back-to-back after Embiid logged 32 minutes in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers the previous night. Resting him on the road suggests a planned move.“Injury management” usually points to lingering soreness instead of a structural issue. There is no indication of a long-term absence, but the team is choosing caution.
How Philadelphia 76ers are expected to adjust
Tyrese Maxey is available and is expected to handle a larger share of the offense. His ability to create shots and attack defenders will be important without Embiid.Paul George remains out due to a lengthy suspension, leaving the roster short on high-level scorers. Andre Drummond, or whichever center starts, should see more minutes inside. Veterans Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon can help with spacing.Philadelphia 76ers will likely rely on tempo, transition chances, and three-point shooting to make up for the loss of Embiid’s scoring in the paint and rim protection.
Golden State Warriors also missing key players
Golden State is dealing with its own absences. Stephen Curry is out with a right knee issue, and Jimmy Butler is sidelined for the season after an ACL tear.Without Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and the guard rotation will take on more responsibility. With both teams missing star players, the game is expected to lean more on depth than individual matchups.
What this means for Joel Embiid moving forward
Embiid has appeared on the injury report often this season as the team tracks the load on his ankle and knee. Sitting him during a back-to-back fits that plan. There may be more games like this, but the expectation is that he will be available regularly while the team manages his minutes. The focus is on having him healthy for the postseason.Also read: Philadelphia 76ers vs Golden State Warriors injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 3, 2026)Embiid is officially out against Golden State because of right ankle and right knee injury management. The Sixers appear to be treating this as scheduled rest during a tight stretch of games. The spotlight now shifts to Maxey and the supporting group as Philadelphia tests its depth against a Warriors team that will also be without its primary star.
