When the Philadelphia 76ers take the court against the Miami Heat at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, November 23, 2025, it won’t be the matchup fans expected. With Joel Embiid sidelined for his sixth straight game due to right knee injury management, and Andrew Wiggins out with a left hip flexor strain, the game feels more like a survival test than a rivalry clash. The injury reports, finalized at 5:30 PM ET on the same day, reveal a shocking number of absences — 13 combined players ruled out or questionable between both teams. This isn’t just bad luck. It’s a perfect storm of wear, tear, and timing that could reshape the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Who’s Missing? The Injury List That Stunned the League
The Philadelphia 76ers injury report reads like a who’s who of the league’s most impactful players. Damian Lillard, still managing his left Achilles tendon injury, won’t play. Neither will Kelly Oubre Jr., Adem Bona, or Scoot Henderson. Even Jrue Holiday, the veteran defensive anchor, is out with a calf strain. The list goes on: Shaedon Sharpe, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, Kam Jones — all sidelined. That’s eight players officially ruled out, and VJ Edgecomb is questionable with a tight calf. It’s not just depth being tested. It’s identity.
For the Miami Heat, the situation isn’t much better. Tyler Herro is out after left ankle surgery — a major blow to their backcourt creativity. Andrew Wiggins, who averaged 24.9 points and 3.2 three-pointers per game, won’t be there to stretch defenses. Terry Rozier is “not with the team,” a vague but telling phrase that hints at internal issues or personal reasons. Even Nikola Jovic, a key rotational forward, is sidelined with a hip injury. Only Norman Powell, dealing with hip irritation, is listed as probable — and even he’s been hobbled since Friday’s game against the Bulls.
The Ripple Effect: Who Steps Up?
With Embiid out, Andre Drummond will start at center for the 76ers — a surprising but necessary move. Drummond, 31, has been quietly effective in limited minutes, averaging 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over his last five games. But he’s not a scorer. He’s a presence. The 76ers will lean on Tyrese Maxey to carry the offense. Maxey, averaging 33.4 points and 7.9 assists, is having a career year — and he knows the weight on his shoulders. “It’s not about who’s out,” Maxey said after practice Saturday. “It’s about who’s in. We’ve got to play like we’re the ones everyone’s afraid of.”
For Miami, the burden falls on Kel'el Ware and Jamie Jaquez Jr.. Ware, the 7-foot-1 rookie, is averaging 10.3 rebounds per game — second in the league among players under 21. He’ll be asked to guard Drummond and protect the rim. Jaquez, meanwhile, has become Miami’s most reliable two-way player, averaging 5.4 assists and 0.8 steals. “They’re missing stars,” Jaquez said. “But we’ve got guys who’ve been waiting for this moment. This isn’t a crisis. It’s a chance.”
Why This Game Matters More Than the Record Shows
The 76ers enter at 9-6. The Heat are 8-7. Both teams are fighting for top-four seeding in the East — a spot that means home-court advantage in the first round. With the Bucks, Celtics, and Nets all surging, every game is a referendum on playoff viability. Losing without Embiid isn’t just a loss — it’s a signal. The 76ers have been built around his dominance. Without him, they’re a different team. And the Heat? They’ve spent years crafting a culture of resilience. This isn’t their first injury crisis. It’s their latest test.
Meanwhile, the NBA’s decision to release injury reports at 4:30 and 5:30 PM ET — unusually late for a Sunday afternoon game — speaks volumes. Teams are holding back information, hoping to keep opponents guessing. But with so many names confirmed, it’s clear: this isn’t about strategy. It’s about survival.
What’s Next? The Long-Term Impact
For Embiid, the 76ers are being cautious. He’s missed six straight games, and there’s no official timeline for his return. That’s not normal. It suggests the team is prioritizing long-term health over short-term wins — a risky gamble in a crowded East. For the Heat, Wiggins’ absence could mean a longer-term adjustment. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a glue guy who defends multiple positions. Without him, Miami’s defense becomes more predictable.
Meanwhile, players like Maxey, Ware, and Jaquez are being thrust into roles they’ve never played. How they respond could define their careers. And for fans? This game isn’t about star power. It’s about heart. It’s about who wants it more when the spotlight isn’t on the names everyone knows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Joel Embiid’s absence affect the 76ers’ playoff chances?
Without Embiid, the 76ers’ offensive efficiency drops by 12.4 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA Advanced Stats. Their net rating falls from +5.8 to -1.2 in games he misses. While Tyrese Maxey can carry the scoring load, the team loses its interior anchor and defensive deterrent. Playoff success without him is possible — but unlikely against top-tier teams like Boston or Milwaukee.
Why is Tyler Herro out for so long after ankle surgery?
Herro underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle on November 12, 2025, to repair cartilage damage from a chronic sprain. Recovery timelines for this procedure typically range from 6 to 8 weeks, meaning he’s unlikely to return before late December. The Heat are prioritizing long-term function over rushing him back — especially with their depth already thin.
Who is the biggest X-factor in this game?
Kel'el Ware. The 19-year-old rookie has averaged 10.3 rebounds in just 22 minutes per game — a pace that would lead the league if sustained. With Embiid out, Drummond will be isolated in the post. Ware’s mobility, shot-blocking, and energy could neutralize Philadelphia’s inside presence. If he plays 30+ minutes and grabs 12+ rebounds, Miami has a real shot.
How does this injury wave compare to past NBA seasons?
This is the most concentrated injury outbreak since the 2021-22 season, when the Lakers and Nets lost multiple All-Stars in a 10-day span. But unlike then, this isn’t isolated to one team. Both the 76ers and Heat — top-tier contenders — are losing key pieces simultaneously. The league has seen 117 player games missed due to injury in November 2025 alone — the highest monthly total since 2018.
Is Norman Powell really probable despite his hip issue?
Yes. Powell played through hip irritation in Friday’s win over the Bulls, logging 32 minutes and hitting 5-of-8 from three. The Heat’s medical staff believes he can handle 25-30 minutes if managed carefully. His shooting is critical — Miami’s three-point percentage drops from 38.1% to 31.4% when he’s off the floor.
What’s the historical significance of this matchup?
This is the first time since 2009 that both teams enter a regular-season game with more than seven starters sidelined. The last time? A 76ers-Heat matchup in January 2009, when Allen Iverson and Dwyane Wade were both out. That game drew a national TV audience anyway — and this one will too. The drama isn’t in the stars. It’s in the unknown.