‘More decisions to make’ – Nick Nurse uncertain of Joel Embiid’s status as 76ers wait on $193m star’s injury progress

Joel Embiid's uncertain status for the upcoming season could impact betting outcomes, as his performance greatly influences the Philadelphia 76ers' chances. Punters should closely monitor his health ahead of training camp, as a fully fit Embiid could improve the team's win prospects.

Joel Embiid is one of the most dominating players in the NBA when he is at his physical peak. But Embiid’s status for the upcoming season remains uncertain a month before training camp begins for the Philadelphia 76ers. Asked if Embiid will be ready for camp, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged that he was “not sure.” “All the news is positive,” Nurse exclusively told talkSPORT on Tuesday at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Manchester. “I know he’s working very, very hard and I think things look good. “Whether he’s ready for training camp or not, I think there’s maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. “But our main thing is that he’s healthy to play and play to his nearest capabilities, because he’s awesome, no doubt about that.” Embiid, 31, is a seven-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection. He won the 2022-23 NBA MVP, is a two-time scoring champion and has earned three All-Defensive team honors. But the Cameroon native was limited to just 19 games last year due to a left knee injury while the 76ers finished 24-58 and were one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams. It was the same knee that underwent lateral meniscus surgery last February. Nurse acknowledged the 76ers’ injury problems, but is focused on a rebound year for his team in 2025-26. “We had a really unfortunate season last year,” Nurse said. “We just could not get away from the injury bug at all. Not only was Joel Embiid, our former MVP from just a couple of years ago — I think he played (19) games. That was one thing. “But it was almost four, five, six guys every night. We just never could get any continuity. We used an incredible 40 different players last year. “So let’s put that in the rearview mirror a little bit. Listen, those guys get healthy. They’re great players, and we get some better health this year. We’ll be right back in the mix and that’s what we’re looking to do.” Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in average scoring (26.3 points), assists (6.1) and steals (1.8) last year, while Quentin Grimes shined with 21.9 average points in 28 games with Philly. But nine-time All-Star Paul George was limited to just 41 games and 16.2 points, which was his lowest scoring average in more than a decade, and Philadelphia finished as the fifth-worst squad in the league. After Cooper Flagg went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft — and picked Michael Jordan over LeBron James as The GOAT — Philly added Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe as the No. 3 pick. But the 76ers’ immediate and long-term futures hinge on Embiid’s health, especially after he signed a massive three-year, $193 million contract extension in September 2024. With ‘a lot more decisions’ still to be made, Nurse emphasized Embiid’s importance to the team. Training camp is set to open for the 76ers on September 24. The 7ft and 280lb Embiid has averaged 27.7 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor during his nine NBA seasons. He’s also finished in the top two in MVP voting three times. “When he’s on the floor and any night he’s out there, we’ve got a chance to win, which is amazing,” Nurse said. “We just want to make sure and get him healthy, and let him play for a longer period of time.” Basketball Without Borders runs through Friday at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester. It marks the first time that the NBA’s and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program is being conducted in the United Kingdom. “Hosting Basketball Without Borders in Manchester for the first time reflects the city’s thriving basketball culture and the growing level of talent in England and across the UK,” Neal Meyer, NBA Europe and Middle East Vice President of Basketball Operations said. Nurse, 58, won the NBA Finals with the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season. He was a player/coach for the Derby Rams in the British Basketball League and spent more than a decade involved in UK programs. “When they said they were going to Manchester, they asked me right away, and I said yes right away,” Nurse said. “I thought it’d be a great way to give back a little bit, come back, see a lot of familiar faces, and I’m happy I did. I’m having a great time.”

Joel Embiid is one of the most dominating players in the NBA when he is at his physical peak.But Embiid's status for the upcoming season remains uncer

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