Joel Embiid's Health and Sixers' Uncertain Future Dominate Offseason Outlook

Joel Embiid's 2025-26 season is shrouded in uncertainty as he recovers from arthroscopic surgery, with recent videos showing him working out without a brace and participating in full-court scrimmages. Despite feeling good and making progress, the Philadelphia 76ers star still has 'boxes that need to be checked' before a return-to-play date can be set. The team's outlook hinges on Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey being healthy together, a scenario that occurred for only 15 games last season. Embiid returned from the offseason noticeably slimmer, and the team hopes he can resume their pursuit of the Eastern Conference finals. The Sixers face a dilemma balancing a veteran-contending roster with a young core, and their over/under win total is projected at 42.5.