Joel Embiid Blasts Sixers Injury Report vs Wizards

Joel Embiid pushed back after the Sixers listed him out Wednesday with an illness, asking on social media whether the announcement was an "April Fool's joke" and saying he planned to play. He had been under the weather earlier but still logged 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block in 34 minutes in Monday's loss to Miami. With seven regular season games left and Philadelphia fighting for playoff positioning, his availability carries real weight. Merlin sees a standoff between a lion who wants to roar and guardians who prefer to shelter him. The Sixers must weigh a single game against long term health, especially against a 17-58 Wizards team. If tests clear and Embiid pushes, he could play, but Philadelphia has reasons to be cautious as the postseason approaches.