Embiid Goes Scoreless From Field in Cavaliers Loss
Joel Embiid missed all nine field-goal attempts as Philadelphia fell to Cleveland on Friday, with LeBron James also struggling in the game.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball
Joel Embiid shot 0-of-9 from the field in a loss to the Cavaliers on Friday, scoring six points on 6-of-6 free-throw shooting. LeBron James shot 3-of-12 and committed six turnovers in the same game.
Why it matters
The loss and Embiid's inefficient night come with Jarrett Allen sidelined by a knee injury, adding pressure on the rotation. Both teams' struggles in the same game underline how much the outcome depended on shooting efficiency.
Embiid's 0-of-9 shooting and 6-of-6 free-throw line performance produced six points, seven rebounds and one assist, while James went 3-of-12 with six turnovers. The extraction does not provide a season baseline or the final score, and it is unclear whether Embiid's shooting struggles were tied to any physical limitation.
The players
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is a Philadelphia 76ers center and a multiple-time All-Star known for his scoring and interior presence.
LeBron James
LeBron James is a Hall of Fame forward and one of the most decorated players in NBA history, widely recognized for his longevity and playmaking.
The details
Embiid missed all nine of his field-goal attempts and relied on six free throws for his only scoring in the game, finishing with seven rebounds and one assist. The Cavaliers defeated Philadelphia on Friday, with Allen out for Cleveland due to a knee injury.
Timeline
Friday, November 6, 2026: Philadelphia loses to the Cavaliers.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Philadelphia is scheduled to face the Bulls.
Season Trajectory
Embiid's scoreless night from the field is a notable break from his usual role as Philadelphia's primary scorer, and it arrives as the team works through injuries to its own roster. The loss to Cleveland gives the Sixers a tougher path in an early-season stretch where every result carries standings weight.
Embiid's six points on the night leave the Sixers' scoring load on other players, which affects fantasy lineups for the Bulls matchup. Allen's absence with a knee injury also means Cleveland's frontcourt depth is thinner than usual for the next game.
The takeaway
Efficiency matters as much as volume: Embiid's scoreless field-goal night shows how quickly a single star's cold stretch can decide a game. Watch how the rotation adapts before the Bulls game.
What happens next
The team is scheduled to face the Bulls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, offering an immediate opportunity to respond after the loss.
Further reading
For more on Philadelphia's season, see the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
