NBA Insider Offers Joel Embiid Update Ahead of Sixers vs. Knicks

An NBA Insider revealed a possible timeline for the return of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.

The last time the Philadelphia 76ers saw their MVP big man Joel Embiid on the court, he was dealing with a lingering knee injury and returning from a two-game absence.

In 29 minutes of action against the Golden State Warriors on January 30, Embiid struggled with soreness. Unfortunately, his night went from bad to worse after a player landed on his knee during the fourth quarter.

Embiid underwent an MRI after the game and would eventually get a corrective procedure done on his MCL. The Sixers didn’t have an immediate timeline for Embiid's return.

The hope remains that Embiid will find his way back out on the floor at some point this season, helping his teammates navigate through a potential playoff run. So far, Embiid’s been off the court for the last 19 games. 

Is a return approaching? According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, that’s not the case at this time.

“He’s not anywhere close right now to coming back,” Shelburne reported on Tuesday. “But he is able to get on the court and do some light work here.”

Embiid’s been around the Sixers during home games and practices. While he’s been present for the most part, the veteran center has yet to take part in any practice sessions. There have been mixed reports regarding Embiid’s potential return to the floor, with most of them hinting he could be back before April approaches.

However, Shelburne notes that the “last week or so” of the regular season is a realistic scenario as of now.

“The hope that they have in Philly is that they can just stay in the mix for Joel Embiid to come back the last week or so of the season, at least where he has a chance to get back some conditioning before the playoffs,” the ESPN reporter finished.

It’s no secret that the Sixers’ championship chances hinge on Embiid’s availability and what he would be able to bring to the table come playoff time. With the big man on the floor, the Sixers were one of the NBA’s hottest teams and held a 26-8 record when he plays.

Without Embiid, the Sixers have struggled with a 10-20 record before heading into their Tuesday night matchup on the road against the New York Knicks.

With plenty of hoops to be played still, the Sixers have to move forward one step at a time and focus on locking up a playoff spot as they approach a tough stretch.