Joel Embiid Drops Surprising Predictions for Sixers’ Destiny in a Chaotic Conference Race

So here we are, on the verge of another NBA season, and the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a crossroads that feels equal parts hopeful and nerve-wracking. Can Joel Embiid’s dramatic offseason transformation—from the looks of things, he’s shed some weight and his swagger seems renewed—finally propel Philly out of last year’s injury-plagued haze? It’s a tantalizing question, isn’t it? Because we all want to believe the star center is set to dominate an Eastern Conference that suddenly looks as wide open as a highway at midnight. But will his knees hold up? Will he dodge the cruel fate that’s haunted him? As fans scroll through those recent practice court clips and photos, the excitement mingles with cautious skepticism. One thing’s for sure: if Embiid’s back at 100%, the Sixers might just be cooking up something special. Or maybe… it’s déjà vu all over again. Either way, buckle up. This season feels like it’s going to be one heck of a ride.

Dallas Mavericks v Philadelphia 76ers — (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The upcoming season has to be better for the Philadelphia 76ers.

There aren’t many ways it can be much worse than last year, when the team suffered numerous injuries and wasn’t able to even reach the playoffs.

If they are going to get better, it’ll be because Joel Embiid is in good shape and healthy.

According to Evan Sidery, Embiid is intent on being at 100 percent all season and doing everything he can to help his team get back on track.

“Joel Embiid has slimmed down significantly this offseason, transforming his own look ahead of this season. The Sixers’ star is hoping to finally play a significant amount of games to make them a serious threat in the wide-open Eastern Conference,” Sidery posted on X.

Joel Embiid has slimmed down significantly this offseason, transforming his own look ahead of this season.

The Sixers’ star is hoping to finally play a significant amount of games to make them a serious threat in the wide-open Eastern Conference. pic.twitter.com/7lpRYXjTBl

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 20, 2025

Photos and videos of Embiid on a practice court recently flooded the internet, and everyone agreed that he is looking a lot better.

He is slimmed down, happy, and moving well.

This led to a big sigh of relief for many Sixers fans, who think that he could be back in MVP form in 2025-26.

Other people aren’t so sure.

They think that Embiid might look better, but he could once again suffer another injury.

And there are many more who worry that his knee isn’t fully healed, and may never be.

The 76ers have been fairly silent about Embiid’s status, and there is still a ton of speculation about what shape he’ll be in when the season kicks off in a few weeks.

He might have his heart set on battling hard for Philadelphia and putting the past behind him, but Embiid’s problems may not be over yet.

The post Joel Embiid Reveals Hopes For Sixers Amid Wide-Open Conference appeared first on The Cold Wire.