January 15, 2026
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Joel Embiid is probable to be back in action against the Cavs.
Joel Embiid (left knee injury management) is probable for the Sixers' home rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, according to the team's initial injury report for the game unveiled on Thursday, which also lists Paul George as probable with left knee injury management and Dominick Barlow as questionable due to a back contusion:
The Sixers have an injury report for tomorrow's game vs. Cleveland:
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) January 15, 2026
Joel Embiid — left knee injury management — PROBABLE
Paul George – left knee injury management – PROBABLE
Dominick Barlow – back contusion – QUESTIONABLE
Embiid, who has played in eight of the Sixers' last nine games, has enjoyed his healthiest and most consistent stretch of basketball in over two years. His only absence in 2026 came on the front end of the Sixers' back-to-back in Toronto last week; he sat in a loss to the Raptors before helping the Sixers avenge that defeat the following night. George also missed the front end of that back-to-back; soreness in his left knee forced him to be a late scratch. He has played in each of the Sixers' games since that absence.
After the Sixers practiced on Thursday morning, Barlow was seen getting shots up with a player development coach. Though Barlow did not have a jersey on, indicating he was not part of any live action, him performing any basketball activity was a positive sign after he left Wednesday's game against Cleveland with his back contusion, which appeared to cause him significant pain.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said after practice that the team canceled plans to get imaging on Barlow's back because he woke up feeling better. The 22-year-old, who has shined on a two-way contract, has avoided a serious injury.
"Sounded like he was going to be okay," Nurse said.
