The Philadelphia 76ers are set to embark on a challenging five-game road trip, starting with a clash against the Chicago Bulls this Friday, December 26, 2025. This comes after the team's disappointing home loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, a result they will be eager to overturn as they seek to return to winning ways.
Embiid's Status: Doubtful But Not Due to New Injury
All eyes are on the Philadelphia 76ers' injury report, which lists superstar centre Joel Embiid as doubtful for the upcoming game. This designation stems from the ongoing, careful management of his right knee rather than a new setback. Embiid experienced a brief scare during the third quarter against the Nets, momentarily leaving the court after grabbing at the knee, but he was able to finish the game.
The team has been transparent about their strategy for Embiid throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Having missed significant time earlier in the season with problems in both knees, and following two knee surgeries in less than a year prior, the Sixers have been extremely cautious. He has rarely played on consecutive nights as part of this managed approach.
In his return to the starting lineup against the Nets after missing two straight games, Embiid logged just over 31 minutes, putting up 27 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. For the season, in his 12 appearances, he is averaging 21.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Other Sixers Injuries and Bulls Challenge
Embiid is not the only player on the Sixers' injury list. The team will be without Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain), both of whom are working through customised rehabilitation exercises. Furthermore, three players—Dominick Barlow, Quentin Grimes, and VJ Edgecombe—are listed as questionable due to illness and missed the previous game.
Despite Embiid's sporadic availability, the Philadelphia 76ers have been a surprise package this season, thanks in large part to the stellar play of Tyrese Maxey. They enter the game as slight road favourites against a Chicago Bulls team that holds a 14-15 record and is hovering on the edge of the Eastern Conference play-in picture, currently ranked 10th.
The Bulls are riding a four-game winning streak but statistically struggle on defence, ranking 28th in the league in opponent points per game. In contrast, the Sixers have shown marked defensive improvement lately, climbing to the 11th spot in the NBA in defensive rating.
Road Ahead and Tip-Off Details
Friday's game at the United Centre is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. EST tip-off. It marks the beginning of a critical five-game away stretch for the Sixers following the Christmas break. The team's ability to navigate this period, especially with a managed roster, will be crucial for their standing in the competitive Eastern Conference.
The Philadelphia 76ers have demonstrated they can compete even with a limited Embiid, but his presence on the floor remains a game-changer. Fans and analysts will be watching the pregame warm-ups closely for a final decision on the former MVP's availability against the Chicago Bulls.
