Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the Cleveland Cavaliers? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star's injury report (January 16, 2026)

The Philadelphia 76ers are back at Wells Fargo Center on January 16, 2026, for a second straight game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET. This comes just two days after Cleveland beat Philadelphia 133–107, a result the Sixers will want to move past quickly.Both teams are close in the standings, and this game matters. Cleveland is 23–19. Philadelphia is 22–17. With little separation in the East, availability and execution will decide more than reputation.

Joel Embiid’s Status Going Into the Game With the Cleveland Cavaliers (January 16, 2026)

Joel Embiid is listed as probable due to left knee management. His status did not change in the latest injury reports, and the expectation is that he will play.

Embiid has appeared in eight of his last ten games. That stretch has been important for Philadelphia, given his history with knee issues.

When he plays, the Sixers run their offense through him. He has been scoring over 25 points per game in recent months and remains their most reliable option inside.Paul George is also listed as probable with left knee management. Kelly Oubre Jr. is available and will play while wearing a brace.

Cavaliers Dealing With Multiple Absences

Cleveland is missing several rotation players. Darius Garland is out with right great toe soreness. Sam Merrill is sidelined with a right hand sprain.

Max Strus continues to recover from left foot surgery. Dean Wade is out with a left knee contusion.That puts more pressure on Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 29.7 points per game. Offensively, Cleveland will lean on his shot creation. Defensively, the Cavs still rely on their frontcourt pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to protect the paint.

What Joel Embiid Changes for Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers are 12–8 in games Embiid has played this season.

His presence affects both ends of the floor, especially in the half court. Cleveland’s interior defense will be tested if Embiid plays extended minutes again.With Cleveland missing key guards and wings, Philadelphia has a clearer path to attack inside, provided Embiid stays on the floor and avoids early foul trouble.

Records, Matchup Context, and Betting Focus

This game sits in the middle of the Eastern Conference race. Neither team has much margin to slip. Betting attention has centered on Embiid’s rebounding, with his line set at 6.5, and on the game total around 226.5 points due to Cleveland’s scoring pace.Also read: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 16, 2026)After a quiet showing in a lopsided loss last time out, this game gives Embiid a chance to reset the tone for Philadelphia at home.