Philadelphia 76ers C Joel Embiid’s injury status is up in the air again. He missed a Sunday matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a knee injury and is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup vs. the Memphis Grizzlies on NBC.
The 2023 NBA MVP appears to be taking another step back due to health issues, but remains an impactful player when he's on the hardwood.
Embiid is averaging 21.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 2025-26. His scoring average is the lowest it’s been since his rookie year, while his rebounding average is at a career-low mark.
The Cameroonian big man has played in just 13 games and has relinquished first-option status to PG Tyrese Maxey. Other players are perfectly capable of putting points on the board as well, though.
Below, we’ll provide a Joel Embiid injury update ahead of the 76ers vs. Grizzlies game and identify a player worth targeting for your lineup additions if he sits, plus PrizePicks NBA projections and analysis for Tuesday night's NBA games.
Joel Embiid Injury Update vs. Grizzlies Tonight
Embiid is questionable due to a right ankle sprain and right knee injury management. It’s unclear whether he’ll suit up on Tuesday as of writing, but Philadelphia has been oddly successful when Maxey and SF Paul George are available without him this season.
Embiid ranks second in points per game for the 76ers, but two other players beside Maxey can top his mark of 283 total points this season. Both of the players above Embiid and below Maxey on the scoring leaders list play the wing.
Let’s break down which 76ers wing is most likely to stand out more against Memphis on Tuesday.
Who Will Benefit With Joel Embiid Out?
76ers SG VJ Edgecombe was briefly among the top contenders to win Rookie of the Year when Embiid first began to miss time early in the season. He showcased some impressive scoring chops as a rookie. He’ll have a chance to continue thriving among the starters against the Grizzlies.
The Baylor product ranks third in total points with 404 through 26 games and is averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists without Embiid this season. He’s attempting 14.1 shots per contest when “The Process” isn’t available.
The first-year wing’s usage rate shoots up from 14.8% to 21.9% when Embiid is off the floor, according to Add More Funds. He spends 23.0% of his time on the ball every 75 possessions, per databallr. That’s an 89th-percentile figure.
Edgecombe is much more active on the ball without Embiid and will likely operate as the team's secondary scorer if the big man is ruled out for a second consecutive game.
VJ Edgecombe PrizePicks Projections vs. Grizzlies
Here are the most popular Edgecombe player picks vs. the Grizzlies tonight, via PrizePicks NBA board.
- 14.5 Points
- 18.5 Pts+Asts
- 19.5 Pts+Rebs
- 23.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 8.5 Rebs+Asts
Make 76ers vs. Grizzlies Picks on PrizePicks
Joel Embiid is in danger of missing yet another game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tuesday matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Several role players have stepped up during his frequent absences in 2025-26, and rookie VJ Edgecombe is among the players most likely to stand out if the 2023 MVP misses a second consecutive contest.
No matter how you think Tuesday's game between the 76ers vs. Grizzlies plays out, you can cash in on your NBA picks on PrizePicks.
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