Are Joel Embiid, Tyrese McKay playing tonight? 76ers vs. Pacers injury report

While they don’t receive the same amount of praise or success as the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers are in a favorable position more than a quarter during the 2025-26 NBA campaign. They avoided a repeat of last year’s disastrous start and are currently tied for sixth in the East with a 13-10 record. However, fans can never hold their breath for too long before quickly turning their attention to the team’s health.

The Sixers’ top two players are on the injury report ahead of Friday’s home game against Indiana Pacers (6-18). Both Tyrese McKay and Joel Embiid played in Philly’s narrow loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last week, but when it comes to this franchise, fortunes can change on a dime. This city has been bracing itself for disaster, so any news of injuries is likely to make your stomach churn.

Maybe the 76ers can send Indy away regardless, but the focus is on the bigger picture. The more Embiid and McKay share the court, the more confident the fan base will be in the long run. So, people are eager to know if this star duo will be in action tonight at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

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The injury statuses of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers

Embiid, who has played just nine games since returning from left knee surgery, has listed as probable for the Pacers match. Mackey initially carried the same tag, but has since been downgraded to questionable due to illness. Philadelphia could find itself in a unique predicament if the latter is ultimately ruled out.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse has had the luxury of relying on his dynamic point guard throughout the campaign so far, allowing the former MVP center to take a cautious approach in terms of its usage and playing time. Joel Embiid could perhaps take on more responsibility if needed, but is that really what the organization wants?

The chronically unhealthy big man is already facing some shooting struggles, going 4-of-21 from the field in the loss against LA, so this might not be the ideal time for him to take over. The reason the 76ers have survived his poor attendance this year is because Tyrese Maxey is fully embracing the workhorse role. If the explosive 25-year-old misses extended time like he did last season, then trouble is sure to befall the City of Brotherly Love.

Thankfully, he’s not dealing with an injury at the moment. The nurse and company will have to decide if Mackey is ready to play on Friday. The 76ers and Pacers tip off around 7pm ET.