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Sixers Forward 'Hype' for Joel Embiid's Return

Kelly Oubre and the Philadelphia 76ers enjoyed having Joel Embiid back in the mix.

Justin Grasso

Oct 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) high fives
Oct 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) high fives / Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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For the past two months, the Philadelphia 76ers have been trying to stay competitive without the services of their star player. That all came to an end Tuesday night when Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return from a knee injury. After being listed out earlier in the day, the reigning MVP was upgraded in time to suit up against the OKC Thunder.

Despite being away for so long, Embiid managed to have an all-around outing in his first game back. In 29 minutes, he posted a stat line of 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

As expected, the All-Star center’s return was a big topic during postgame interviews. Among those to discuss Embiid’s performance was forward Kelly Oubre Jr. He was amped to have his teammate back in action and cited his efforts in the Sixers’ 109-105 victory.

“I mean, it’s everything. The hype is real. He’s one of the most dominant players in the NBA and that we’ve ever seen,” Oubre said. “He was a little rusty tonight, obviously getting his conditioning, and his footing back, but at the end of the day, he’s still able to be effective in the game and allow us to get that win.”

Oubre also touched on how the Sixers now have to adjust to having Embiid’s presence on the floor again. “We just have to find that rhythm and flow of playing with him again,” he continued. “Obviously, all eyes are on him when he’s at the top of the key. But when we cut, and we kind of create space and open up the floor a little bit, we’re able to get opportunities to score easy buckets.”

Aside from Embiid, Oubre was the other key standout for the Sixers in their win over OKC. He led the team in scoring with 25 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists.

As for getting used to Embiid being back, the Sixers have just six regular season games remaining before the postseason gets underway.

Related Reading
Joel Embiid’s Honest Take on Return vs. OKC Thunder
76ers’ Playoff Snapshot Amid Joel Embiid’s Return
Robert Covington Remains Out for 76ers vs. Thunder

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA

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