The Philadelphia 76ers expect their star center back on the floor Thursday night, and it could not come at a better time in a tight Eastern Conference race. Joel Embiid is listed as probable with right ankle injury management for the Houston Rockets’ visit to Wells Fargo Center on January 22, and barring a late change, he is expected to play.

Paul George, meanwhile, is questionable for the same game due to left knee management. The 76ers will also have Kelly Oubre Jr. available as he continues to work back from a left knee issue while wearing a brace.

Joel Embiid injury update and form

Embiid sat Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns for planned rest after playing the front end of that back-to-back earlier in the week. Both the NBA’s 1:45 PM ET and 3:00 PM ET injury reports list him as probable with right ankle injury management. The expectation inside the building is that he plays unless something changes late.

Even while returning to peak shape, Embiid has been rolling in January. He has scored at least 20 points in all nine games this month while hitting 53.8% from the field on 17.3 attempts per game. He is coming off back-to-back 30-point outings and has averaged 30.5 points and 11.5 rebounds across his last two contests.

On the season, Embiid is averaging 24.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 23 appearances, while shooting 47.7% from the field and 26.1% from three. Philadelphia is 13–10 when he plays—proof of how much he lifts their floor on offense and on the glass.

Embiid himself admits there is still another level to reach. “For myself… I think I’m… Not necessarily where I want to be, but, you know, a work in progress… I’m back to, I would say… All-Star level, and getting back to that All-NBA level and MVP level… Just gotta keep it going.” That mentality is exactly what the 76ers need as they search for rhythm and seeding.

"If Embiid’s ankle holds, this should be a bully-ball clinic."

Paul George’s status and why it matters

George is listed as questionable with left knee management. One league document earlier in the day noted him as out, a discrepancy that appeared alongside G League two-way housekeeping in the same report. The clear signal as of late afternoon is that his status remains in the air. If he plays, the 76ers add an elite wing scorer and spacer to ease Embiid’s load and punish doubles.

Without George, Philadelphia’s shot creation and spacing take a hit, and the burden shifts back to the big man and the supporting guards. That is where Oubre’s availability helps; he offers downhill force, cutting, and spot-up shooting, even while ramping up with a knee brace. His presence gives coach Nick Nurse more lineup options on the wing.

"PG’s knee management in January says it all: seeding over statements."

Rockets injury report and frontcourt test

Houston arrives shorthanded up front. Steven Adams is out with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain, and Fred VanVleet remains sidelined as he recovers from right knee ACL repair. Aaron Holiday is questionable with back spasms, further thinning the Rockets’ backcourt depth and ball handling.

Even so, Houston has held its own at the rim this season, ranking 10th in opponent points in the paint. That structure will be tested by Embiid’s post game and foul pressure, especially without Adams’ size and experience to battle him on the block. Expect the Rockets to crowd the nail, send quick digs, and force the ball out of Embiid’s hands. If the Sixers’ shooters make early threes, those help-and-recover routes become harder to sustain.

Why Embiid’s presence changes everything for Philly

The 76ers’ offense often stalls when Embiid sits. The team’s scoring efficiency and rebounding both dip, and the paint touches that bend defenses disappear. With Embiid, Philadelphia can grind out free throws, control tempo, and attack mismatches. He also clears the defensive glass, which fuels cleaner transition chances.

There’s a mental edge, too. When the big man starts strong, the rest of the roster settles into roles. Double-teams arrive; shooters get rhythm looks; cutters eat at the rim. That knock-on effect is why his probable return tonight is the headline—and why the 13–10 record with him available matters.

"Sixers as home underdogs with Embiid probable? Trap or gift."

Betting angle and what to watch

As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings lists the 76ers as a 1.5-point underdog at home. That number likely reflects the uncertainty around George and the back-to-back schedule management around Embiid earlier in the week. If Embiid is in and looks close to his January form, the matchup tilts toward Philadelphia’s size and foul pressure—especially against a Rockets team missing Adams.

Three things to track:

• Early touches for Embiid on the block. If he draws doubles, how quickly do the Sixers swing to second-side actions?
• George’s availability. If he plays, who defends him, and how does that open space for Oubre and the guards?
• Rockets’ paint defense without Adams. Do they send quick help from the corners, and can Philly make them pay?

The stakes at Wells Fargo Center

There are no standings points handed out in January, but games like this steady a season. The East is stacked in the middle. Dropping home games without your stars is understandable; taking care of business when your MVP is available is how you climb.

Embiid’s own words—back to an All-Star level and pushing toward All-NBA and MVP form—fit the moment. With the Rockets’ front line thin and the Sixers returning key pieces, the plan is simple: win the paint, win the glass, and let their star set the tone.

Tip-off is at Wells Fargo Center. The expectation is Embiid plays. If George joins him, Philadelphia’s ceiling rises. Either way, this is a chance to bank a needed home win and keep pace in the East.

Injury report notes: NBA listings at 1:45 PM ET and 3:00 PM ET confirm Embiid as probable (Right Ankle; Injury Management). George is questionable (Left Knee; Management). Oubre Jr. available (left knee recovery). For Houston: Adams out (left ankle sprain, Grade 3); VanVleet out (right knee ACL repair); Holiday questionable (back spasms).