The Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors went back-to-back on January 11 and 12, 2026. The story is simple and big: health. Joel Embiid was ruled out for the first game. He is listed as questionable for the second. Paul George also sat the opener and is questionable for the second game. For a Sixers team finding its rhythm on the road, these calls matter.

Philadelphia arrived in this set at 21-15 with a four-game road winning streak. Even without their MVP center at times, the Sixers have held steady at 10-6 when Embiid sits. But back-to-backs test every body and every rotation. This one is no different.

Joel Embiid status: knee management, adductor soreness, and next steps

Embiid was ruled out on January 11 due to left knee injury management and left groin soreness. For January 12, he is listed as questionable with left knee injury management and left adductor soreness. This matters on two fronts: Embiid’s availability on the night, and how many minutes he can handle if cleared.

The big man has appeared in 19 games this season, averaging 23.5 points and 7.1 rebounds. This stretch also marks his absence during what had been his longest run of six straight appearances this season. In plain terms: the Sixers want to keep him trending up, but not at the cost of a setback.

Embiid himself offered a simple check-in on how he felt: “I feel OK. I was a little tired out there. But I feel good. I’ll take it. I came out pretty good either way. So I’ll take it. Obviously, I would have felt better if we got the win. But that didn’t happen. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow. But it was good things.” It is cautious, but positive. It signals the team will wait to see how his body responds before game time.

“If Embiid sits, the paint belongs to Toronto—prove me wrong.”

Paul George injury update: out for Game 1, questionable for Game 2

George missed the January 11 game with left knee soreness and is questionable for January 12. The Sixers covered the wing minutes by starting Kelly Oubre Jr. in his place. Oubre made a loud defensive impact: four steals and three blocks in 34 minutes. He was listed as available for January 12, notable since he only recently returned from a near two-month absence.

George’s scoring and shot creation are key, but his defensive size on the wing matters just as much on the road. If he plays, the Sixers get a more balanced two-way lineup. If he sits, Oubre’s length and activity again become central to the game plan.

“Oubre’s defense was the spark; can he handle 34+ again on a back-to-back?”

76ers by the numbers: 21-15, 10-6 without Embiid, and a road groove

Philadelphia’s 21-15 record and four straight road wins show a team that can grind. The 10-6 mark without Embiid is more than a footnote. It says the Sixers can survive his missed games and still keep pace in the standings. That is the short-term good news.

The long-term truth, though, is still clear. To hit the ceiling they want, they need Embiid healthy and building rhythm with George. Managing back-to-backs with care is part of that plan. That’s why the “questionable” tag for January 12 is not just a tease; it is the team signaling they will measure risk and reward right up to tip.

Raptors injury picture: Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett out

Toronto has its own health issues to work through. Center Jakob Poeltl is out with a back injury. Wing scorer RJ Barrett is also out with an ankle issue. Those are two rotation pillars for the Raptors. Without Poeltl, the Raptors lose size and screening in the middle. Without Barrett, they lose a downhill threat and shot creation on the wing.

That context matters for Philadelphia. If Embiid plays, the Sixers could lean on touches inside. If he doesn’t, the Sixers still have a path: spread the floor, drive, and turn defense into fast offense—much like Oubre helped do in Game 1 minutes. The battle on the glass and the turnover game become even more important with Toronto shorthanded.

“No Poeltl, no Barrett—no excuses if Philly brings energy and protects the ball.”

What to watch for Monday: availability, minutes, and margins

Game 2 of this back-to-back turns on a few simple questions. None is fancy, but all can decide the night.

• Will Joel Embiid be cleared, and if yes, how many minutes can he play on the second night?
• Is Paul George ready to return, or will Kelly Oubre Jr. carry a bigger wing load again?
• How does Toronto manage the interior without Jakob Poeltl? Rebounds and second chances could swing the game.
• Can the Sixers keep their turnover count down and let their defense run? Easy points matter on tired legs.

Philadelphia’s staff will manage the decision tree in warmups. If Embiid and George both sit, the formula is clear: defend, rebound by committee, and take smart threes. If one or both play, the Sixers can lean into their normal pecking order, build early leads, and protect minutes as needed.

Big picture: cautious now, bolder later

This back-to-back does not define the season, but it can shape the next few weeks. The Sixers are winning on the road. They are winning when Embiid sits. Now, the goal is to blend that resilience with star power. That starts with smart choices on January 12.

Whether Embiid and George suit up or not, the mission stays the same: stack good habits, keep the ball safe, and lean on defense. If they do that, the wins will follow—with or without the headline names for a night.