Sixers Reveal Joel Embiid’s Official Playing Status vs. Grizzlies

Will Joel Embiid play for the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night against the Grizzlies?

Feb 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dribbles / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Kicking off a back-to-back set this weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Memphis Grizzlies to get things started on Saturday night.

Heading into the game, the Sixers had a crowded injury report, headlined by the superstar center, Joel Embiid.

This week, Embiid returned to action following a multi-month absence. Back on January 30, the big man went down with a knee injury in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors. After he left the game early, the Sixers determined the big man needed an MRI, which sent him back to Philly in the midst of a road trip out west.

The MRI revealed a meniscus injury for the big man. After taking some time to weigh his options, Embiid underwent surgery. After everything was clear, he started what was expected to be an eight-week recovery.

On Tuesday, Embiid returned to action for the first time since January in the Sixers’ win over the OKC Thunder. Two nights later, Embiid took the court for the Sixers’ Thursday night victory over the Miami Heat. After being listed as questionable initially, Embiid was cleared and allowed four more minutes of action after being on a restriction on Tuesday.

For the third game in a row, the Sixers considered Embiid questionable against the Grizzlies. Since the team is set to play a back-to-back, there was belief there’s a chance Embiid could split the action, picking up some rest after making his return this week.

While that might be the case, Embiid won't be taking a night off on Saturday. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid has been cleared for action and will face the Grizzlies.

The Sixers and the Grizzlies will battle it out at 8 PM ET.