Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the Los Angeles Lakers? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star's injury report (February 5, 2026)

Joel Embiid is questionable for the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The team has not confirmed his availability, and a decision is expected shortly before tip-off.The listing is related to right knee injury management. Philadelphia has followed a controlled workload plan with Embiid this season to avoid aggravating the knee and to keep him healthy over the long schedule.Embiid missed the Sixers’ win over the Golden State Warriors on February 3. That absence was part of the same management plan and came during a back-to-back set. There is some belief he could return against the Lakers, but the team has not guaranteed anything.

What the injury report shows for Joel Embiid

The latest NBA injury report lists Joel Embiid as “Questionable - Right Knee; Injury Management.” This means he still has a chance to play, but he must go through warm-ups and pregame testing before the medical staff clears him.Teams usually confirm statuses about 90 minutes before tip-off, making late updates the most important.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers Expected starting lineups (February 5, 2026)

Philadelphia 76ers projected starters

If Embiid does not play, Adem Bona is the likely replacement at center. That shift would move Barlow into a larger frontcourt role and place more scoring responsibility on Maxey and Edgecombe.

Los Angeles Lakers projected starters

Joel Embiid’s numbers this season

Embiid has appeared in 29 games entering early February. He is averaging about 26 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.When he is unavailable, Philadelphia 76ers relies more on Maxey for scoring. Edgecombe has taken on a larger two-way role, while Barlow and Bona handle more of the interior work.The knee plan is intended to support Embiid’s availability later in the season as the Sixers compete for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

What to watch before the Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers game (February 5, 2026)

• Participation in warm-ups often signals whether he will play. • Official injury updates typically arrive around 90 minutes before the 10:00 p.m. ET start. • If he sits, Philadelphia is likely to use more pick-and-roll sets and depend on perimeter scoring rather than post offense.Joel Embiid has not been ruled out for the matchup against the Lakers, but he has not been cleared either. His status depends on how the knee responds before the game.Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Philadelphia 76ers? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (February 5, 2026)For now, he should be considered a game-time decision.