The Philadelphia 76ers (42-34) are attempting to improve their playoff position in the final days of the regular season.
However, Philadelphia could be without 76ers C Joel Embiid as he continues to deal with an illness. Will Embiid take the court for Friday’s game when the 76ers face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:00 p.m. ET?
Let’s take a look at the latest Joel Embiid injury update for Friday vs. the Timberwolves, plus some key stats and PrizePicks projections to monitor for 76ers player picks.
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Joel Embiid Injury Update vs. Timberwolves Tonight
The 76ers initially listed Embiid as questionable due to an illness for Friday’s game vs. the Timberwolves, but that's been upgraded to probable, per the NBA Injury Report.
Embiid also missed Wednesday’s 153-131 win vs. the Washington Wizards as a result of an illness. The team officially ruled Embiid out before the contest, but Embiid took to social media to question whether it was an April Fools’ joke.
According to Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer, 76ers general manager Daryl Morey revealed that Embiid was ruled out when he was “too ill” to make it to the team’s film session on Wednesday morning.
Embiid recently returned to the court after missing a month due to an oblique injury. In 36 games this season, the former NBA MVP has averaged 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while shooting 34.0% from three.
If Embiid ends up not taking the court on Friday, who could see an increase in production when it comes to NBA projections?
Joel Embiid Injury Impact: Which 76ers Players to Target?
Sixers SF Paul George could benefit from the star center’s potential absence.
George recently returned from serving a 25-game suspension after violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. In four games since returning to the lineup, the nine-time NBA All-Star has put together averages of 28.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 3.5 APG, while shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc.
The 76ers' star wing had a monster game without Embiid vs. the Wizards on Wednesday. George scored a season-best 39 points on 15-of-22 shooting, including knocking down 6 of his 12 3-point attempts. Plus, he dished out 6 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds.
George has enjoyed considerable success when playing without Embiid since signing with Philadelphia in 2024. The star forward has averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while shooting 39.6% from deep in 32 career games without Embiid.
According to databallr, George spends 19.1% of his time on the court on the ball, potentially leading to more playmaking opportunities.
George averages 17.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 3.7 APG, while connecting on 39.1% of his 3-point shots.
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Paul George vs. Timberwolves Stats, Projections
Here are the most popular Paul George player projections for Timberwolves vs. 76ers tonight, via PrizePicks, where you can predict More or Less on player stats to earn real money if you're right.
- 15.5 Points
- 25.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 21.5 Pts + Rebs
- 5.5 Rebounds
Make Timberwolves vs. 76ers Picks on PrizePicks
Joel Embiid could return from an illness vs. the Timberwolves. If he does not suit up for Friday’s contest, there are still several 76ers player picks to consider on PrizePicks, including projections for Paul George.
You can make your Timberwolves vs. 76ers picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money.
Just pick at least two player stat projections, predict More or Less on them, and cash in if you're right. With PrizePicks Team Picks, you can also make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 35 states!
Stick around with the Playbook for continued NBA predictions, picks, and news every day until the 2026 NBA Finals.
