Embiid was sidelined due to a foot sprain that he was initially able to play through and sustained left knee swelling during his recovery which has delayed his return. According to Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire, Embiid was a partial participant in the team's practice on Monday and his knee has responded well to treatment.

Winning league MVP in 2023, Embiid followed that campaign by playing just 39 games the next season. Having already missed 31 games entering Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Embiid is ineligible for season awards due to the league's 65-game minimum rule.