The NBA’s 2025-26 schedule was just released, and the Philadelphia 76ers likely aren’t too pleased. The NBA saddled the Sixers with 16 back-to-back games, which feels like a slap in the face to a team that was decimated by injury.
Sixers star Joel Embiid specifically can’t play both games in back-to-backs, which means he’d miss at least 16 games next season right off the bat. Of course, even if Embiid were healthy to start next season, which he likely won’t be, he probably would miss much more than 16 games.
Still, it’s the principle of the matter. The NBA started the season earlier to reduce back-to-backs. And while they have gone down in recent years, with many teams previously playing 20+ back-to-backs, 16 is still far too many.
The NBA did the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid no favors
The Sixers likely wouldn’t be able to keep Embiid healthy even if there were zero back-to-back games. However, it does result in load management having so many games in a short period.
If and when Embiid is healthy, he will still have to contend with back-to-back games, which will force him out of the lineup. Paul George, who will likely also miss the start of next season, will have to do the same.
The league did the 76ers dirty, especially when looking at a five-game stretch from March 9th to 17th, when they play six games in eight nights, including the last game being at Denver.
The NBA set the Philadelphia 76ers up for failure
Don’t be surprised if both Embiid and George sit out that game, which is sure to draw criticism, just not at the NBA. Embiid hasn’t played in Denver in years, and the league scheduling the Sixers the way they did makes it unlikely that he will suit up.
That is on the league. The 76ers will already have their hands full keeping Embiid and George healthy, and their compact schedule doesn’t help. That puts Philly at a competitive disadvantage ahead of next season, with them already facing a lot of uncertainty.
All told, the Sixers were done no favors by the NBA with the league scheduling for 16 back-to-back games. With the 76ers having two of the most injury-prone players in the NBA, they will have to try and keep Embiid and Paul healthy. But that will be easier said than done with their new schedule.
