Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star's injury report (January 1, 2026)

Joel Embiid is listed as probable for the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 1, 2026. He is dealing with a right ankle sprain and routine right knee management, but all signs point to him being available.Philadelphia opens the new year on the road and needs its best player on the floor. Embiid’s status matters even more given how short-handed both teams are heading into this matchup.The ankle issue is new, but it has not kept Joel Embiid out of any games this season. The knee designation is part of the team’s ongoing workload management and not tied to a recent setback. He came out of his last game without any problems, and the team is comfortable letting him play again.This game does not come on a back-to-back, which reduces the chance of a late scratch.Embiid is coming off a heavy-minute performance against Memphis, where he logged 38 minutes and finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in an overtime win. Over his last five games, he is averaging 30.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and three assists.If he plays close to his normal minutes, Dallas will have a hard time matching his size and strength inside.Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford remain out, which limits Philadelphia’s wing depth for this road game.Dallas continues to miss several rotation players. Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum are all sidelined following surgeries. That leaves the Mavericks thin, especially in the frontcourt.The Sixers enter the game at 17-14 and can sweep the season series after winning the earlier meeting 121-114. If Embiid plays, the offense will run through him inside, with Tyrese Maxey carrying the scoring load on the perimeter.Also read: Philadelphia 76ers vs Dallas Mavericks regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and more (January 01, 2025)With Joel Embiid available, Philadelphia 76ers have a clear edge in the paint and a better chance to start 2026 with a road win. If he were to sit unexpectedly, Andre Drummond would see extended minutes, putting more pressure on the Sixers’ rebounding and interior defense as tip-off approaches.