Joel Embiid Expresses Frustration Missing Wednesday Game: 'I Wasn't Allowed To Play Basketball'
April 4, 2026
RealGM Basketball Wiretap
Joel Embiid voiced his frustration over missing the Philadelphia 76ers' 153-131 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Embiid missed the game due to a reported illness. I was pissed off, Embiid said Friday. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn't allowed to play basketball. So, this is more of a question for Daryl Morey. Embiid, who admitted that he was sick leading up to the game, said he was caught off guard by being held out.
I felt better going into Washington, said Embiid. I didn't make it to shootaround. But when I found out after that I wasn't playing, it caught me off guard. It pissed me off. But it doesn't matter what I think. I have to follow directions. Team officials made the decision to hold Embiid out of the game as he had been sick for three days and missed the shootaround. Embiid returned to the Sixers' lineup on Friday night in a 115-103 win over the Timberwolves. Embiid finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
RealGM Basketball Wiretap
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