Sixers overrule Embiid, sit center with plantar fasciitis management

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  Kris RhimOct 25, 2026, 04:04 PM ET

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  Kris Rhim is an NBA reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers, returning to his hometown to chronicle LeBron James' final chapter. Kris joined ESPN in 2023 and spent three seasons covering the Los Angeles Chargers before moving to the NBA.

PHILADELPHIA -- A day after Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid asked reporters to campaign for him to play in Sunday's game against Detroit -- the second of the Sixers' first back-to-back this season -- the 76ers ruled out Embiid for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Pistons with right foot plantar fasciitis management. ​

"I actually want to play tomorrow, so can you guys put pressure on them," Embiid said with a smile after Saturday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. "... I want to play tomorrow, so start writing articles and put pressure on them so they'll let me play."

The Sixers decided against Embiid's wishes, as they look to keep the former MVP healthy for a long season. Embiid, plagued by various injuries, has averaged just 49 games per season over his 10 years.

In their win over the Bucks Saturday, Embiid had his tenth career triple double, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Having him sidelined is a significant blow to the Sixers' already thin frontcourt.

Philadelphia also ruled out big men Dominick Barlow (back), Jabari Walker (knee), and Tacko Fall (quad). Walker injured his left knee in Saturday's win, exiting the game in the third quarter. That leaves Adem Bona as the team's only true center active on Sunday. Forward Dean Wade, who made his season debut on Saturday, will likely play some center, and LeBron James, who missed Saturday's game with sciatica management, has no injury designation and can also help out at the center spot.

The Pistons will be without All-NBA center Jalen Duren, who the team said has a hamstring injury and will be out for at least two weeks.