When will we see Joel Embiid do what he does best when he’s at 100%? It’s a difficult question to answer. The 2024-25 season has been rough for the Philadelphia 76ers, who sit at 2-10 and haven’t yet played a game featuring Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George together. Embiid returned to action last week, suiting up against the New York Knicks. In 26 minutes on the court, his offensive struggles became evident after hitting just 2 of 11 shots and finishing with 13 points.

Embiid logged 32 minutes against the Orlando Magic, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds. After the game, he shared with reporters that he felt good as he continued adjusting to being back in the lineup. Despite his presence, the Sixers have lost both games since his return and are now on a three-game losing streak. With a road game against the Miami Heat on Monday, there’s a chance Embiid might miss another matchup as the team evaluates his workload.

This time, Embiid’s questionable status isn’t related to managing his knee injury. Instead, he’s dealing with an illness.

Will the 76ers get out of this rut?

With Tyrese Maxey already ruled out due to a right hamstring strain, the 76ers’ Big Three won’t take the court together for Monday’s game against the Miami Heat. But Maxey has resumed court work and we should have an update next week. Now, Joel Embiid’s status is also up in the air. It’s a game-time decision for the Sixers, whether their big man will grace the court or not.

Moreover, Embiid could miss his 11th game this season as he is listed as questionable because of an illness. If he sits out, it would mark the third different reason for his absence, following left knee injury management and a suspension.

Andre Drummond played in Friday’s loss to the Orlando Magic after being listed as questionable due to illness. He isn’t on the initial injury report for Monday. Interestingly, Embiid was cleared for the Orlando game but now risks sitting out against Miami. The 76ers are juggling injuries at the worst time, and as a fan, it’s frustrating to see them missing key players yet again.

Can Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro get the Heat over the line?

On Monday, the Heat face the second leg of a back-to-back, and Jimmy Butler will probably miss his fifth game of the season. But just like Embiid’s situation, his is also a game-time decision. Coming off a trip to Indiana, the challenge won’t be easy. But if there’s one thing Miami is known for, it’s making things work under any circumstances.

Their defense is no exception—it’s ranked 14th in defensive rating and gives up the 10th-fewest points per game. They’re great at limiting free throw attempts (third-fewest) and forcing turnovers (sixth-most). Inside the paint, they rank among the top 10 in stopping shots within five feet of the hoop. Although, their opponents shoot 36.8% from three (24th in the league), Miami counters with a solid 16th-place ranking in defensive rebounding rate.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. exited the court during the third quarter of the Heat’s loss to the Pacers due to an injury. Before leaving, he logged two points, three rebounds, and four assists in just 15 minutes. The Heat faces the 76ers on Monday in the second game of a back-to-back, but Jaquez’s availability remains uncertain for now. But he himself told the reporters that he might miss this matchup.

Both the franchises will miss their superstars, so how will it all pan out? We’ll have to wait and watch.