The Philadelphia 76ers are 2-0 in the 2025-26 season despite Joel Embiid’s limited playing time.
The 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 117-116 in Game 1 and the Charlotte Hornets 125-121 in Game 2.
Embiid has only played 40 minutes total this season, with several other players contributing more.
In fact, statistics suggest the 76ers are a better team when the former Most Valuable Player is on the sideline.
After the game against the Hornets, Embiid answered honestly when asked about his impact on the Sixers.
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Embiid has a plus/minus record in both games for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. He was -16 against the Celtics on Saturday night and -2 against the Hornets.
This gives him an overall plus/minus of -18, but the 76ers’ overall plus/minus without him on the floor is +23.
A reporter asked Embiid how he thought his team played better when he wasn’t on the court in the first two games of the season.
“It’s been 12 years, so I’m going to put up with it. Just keep going,” he replied. “Obviously, the most important games are the best games and the playoffs.
“If that’s our effort while I’m not on the floor, amen. It’s been a long time coming.”
The Philadelphia 76ers have often struggled without Embiid, who has missed hundreds of games due to injury during his career.
The 31-year-old likely won’t play back-to-back games this season, so it’s important the Sixers can win without him.
Philadelphia has two other key players expected to return from injury in the near future: Paul George and Jared McCain.
If these two return, the Sixers will have one of the deepest rosters in the league and could be a dangerous team in the playoffs.
The only thing keeping them from doing well in the postseason is health, but unfortunately, it’s unlikely that will be an issue again.