76ers’ Joel Embiid Returns to Practice for First Time Since Knee Surgery

Embiid has been sidelined with a knee injury since late January.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid returned to practice on Sunday for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in January.

Although the team hopes to have its star center back by the first or second week of April, coach Nick Nurse told reporters after practice that there is no timetable for Embiid’s return to action.

“Joel was here today, yep. He was on the court. He went through a little bit of the practice,” Nurse said, via Ky Carter of Sixers Wire. “All non-contact stuff. He’s lifting weights right now. No timeline for his return.”

Embiid has been sidelined since Jan. 30, when he suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during a game against the Golden State Warriors. He underwent surgery in early February and has missed the 76ers’ last 22 games.

Philadelphia (38–30) is battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They moved into the No. 6 seed following a crucial win over the Miami Heat on Monday. Of course, any hope of a legitimate run in the playoffs will revolve around the return of their superstar center. 

Embiid’s return would be a major boost for a 76ers team that has won just seven of its first 21 games since his injury. Getting back to action in early April wouldn’t leave him much time to ramp up ahead of the playoffs, though he’d still have a handful of regular-season games to build up his stamina. 

Before his injury, Embiid was enjoying a career year, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.