For Parsons, that upward trend was all the warning that the league needed. Chandler emphasized that if Joel continues to improve at this rate, taking his time as well as the team firmly holding onto a playoff spot, the Sixers would transform into a flat-out nightmare for opponents toward the business end of the season.

The Sixers' 2-1 road trip came with sentimental — and spicy — emotions. Lowry's send-off and Embiid's liftoff were the highlight of the week.

Embiid’s continued improvement is providing hope for Sixers fans and quickly becoming one of the best stories in the NBA in 2025-26.