Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the Atlanta Hawks? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star's injury report (February 19, 2026)
Times of India
by RAUNAK BOSEFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Joel Embiid will not play for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Atlanta Hawks on February 19, 2026, due to a right knee issue and worsening shin soreness. This injury is a significant blow to the team as it aims to stay competitive in the playoff race. Without Embiid, the 76ers face challenges in both scoring and defending inside the paint, shifting more responsibilities to their guards and wings.
Embiid's absence stems from discomfort experienced during his knee management routine before the All-Star break. His shin issue worsened, requiring daily treatment and further evaluation. He has already missed the final two games prior to the break, bringing his total missed games this season to several. Despite averaging 26.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, Embiid's limited availability this season highlights the team's ongoing injury struggles.
The 76ers are also without Paul George, who is serving a suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy through March 25. This leaves Tyrese Maxey as the primary offensive leader. Other players like Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, and Andre Drummond will need to step up, with younger players such as VJ Edgecombe and Adem Bona potentially seeing increased playing time.
The Atlanta Hawks enter the game with some momentum after ending a losing streak. While they have their own injury issues—Jonathan Kuminga is questionable with a left knee bone bruise—they remain competitive in key matchups. Their fast-paced style and strong transition scoring could pose challenges for the 76ers, especially without Embiid's rim-protecting presence.
This game underscores the impact of injuries on team dynamics and playoff contention. For readers interested in global sports news, this highlights
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026