The 76ers’ season brightens as Joel Embiid’s snub reveals a huge upside

The Philadelphia 76ers, despite having one of the most loaded teams in the NBA, will only have one representative in the All-Star Game. Joel Embiid, who has had a huge resurgence this season, didn’t get a single call-up, which is made all the more puzzling by the fact that Adam Silver has had numerous opportunities to reward him with a spot due to all the injured stars unable to participate.

As a result, many fans are outraged by the blatant disrespect shown to Embiid by the NBA. But that said, the 76ers actually benefit from it. After all, the superstar should have a longer period to rest his body ahead of the stretch run, especially after being sidelined for the last few games.

Embiid did not play against Portland and New York (both of which resulted in losses) due to reported soreness in his right knee. He will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, and coming away from the annual festivities will give him some much-needed time to decompress and focus on strengthening his knee.

The 76ers are benefiting immensely, despite the glaring All-Star cut for Joel Embiid

Heading into the break, the 76ers have a record of 30-24. That win-loss map has them in sixth place in the East. The aim, of course, is to gain home advantage at least in the first round, and they are not far from that. They are just 3.5 games back of the fourth-seeded Cavaliers.

However, having Embiid at peak capacity will be the main determining factor of their late-season push. That’s even more the case since the 76ers have the eighth-easiest schedule left. Of the team ahead, only Cleveland is expected to have an easier slate to end the campaign.

It may not be ideal, but the 76ers are again reliant on Embiid much more than necessary. Since the calendar flipped to 2026, he has averaged over 34 minutes per game, and that is expected to be the status quo going forward, barring his scheduled absences during back-to-backs. That’s why it’s vital that he gets as much rest as he should as the games become more and more important.

Joel Embiid is an All-Star player, but even that statement undermines his true value to the 76ers and the league as a whole. He remains one of the best players in the world, and an All-Star snub won’t wash away that fact.