PHILADELPHIA — As the Philadelphia 76ers get ready to face the Golden State Warriors, the team will be short-handed once again. Paul George has been ruled out, joining Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford on the inactive list. With three key wing players unavailable, the rest of the roster will need to shoulder a greater workload on both ends of the floor, especially in terms of perimeter defense, scoring creation, and overall versatility.

There is, however, encouraging news for Philadelphia. Star center Joel Embiid, who had initially been listed as doubtful, was upgraded to questionable on Thursday afternoon. After participating in his pregame warmup routine and completing movement tests, coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Embiid is cleared to play and will take his place in the starting lineup. His presence significantly boosts the Sixers’ interior offense, rim protection, and overall leadership.

Embiid will start alongside Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Dominick Barlow, forming a lineup that will be tasked with matching Golden State’s pace, shooting, and off-ball movement.

Tip-off between the Sixers and Warriors is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Philadelphia aims to carry forward the momentum from Tuesday’s victory over the Washington Wizards, now reinforced by the return of their franchise centerpiece.

This article was originally published by Sixers Wire under the title: 76ers vs. Warriors: Final status update for Joel Embiid's availability.