Sixers Remain Optimistic Joel Embiid Could Return Before Postseason

The Philadelphia 76ers have lacked the services of Joel Embiid since January 30. During the road matchup against the Golden State Warriors, a hobbled Embiid checked in for nearly 30 minutes after a two-game absence due to knee soreness.

The All-Star big man was already dealing with injury concerns going into the matchup, but his situation went from bad to worse when a player landed on his knee. After the game, Embiid underwent an MRI, which revealed an MCL injury.

After taking a week to consider his treatment options, Embiid decided to go through a corrective procedure. With the 2023-2024 regular season winding down, the superstar big man has yet to make his return to the court.

Over the last couple of weeks, numerous reports have hinted that Embiid could be targeting a return late in the regular season. At this point, the Sixers don’t have a target date set.

As the Sixers prepared for their home matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the status of the reigning MVP. Once again, he made it clear that a timeline for return has not been developed.

“He’s on the court, as you guys know,” Nurse told reporters. “Still don’t have a timeline.”

“I would imagine he’s getting better each day. It’s just about getting him strong, confident, in shape, ramped up, and all of those wonderful words.”

The postseason is around the corner. Following Wednesday’s outing against Los Angeles, the Sixers have just two more games left in March. Then, they have seven matchups before the regular season concludes.

What’re the chances the big man is back before the Sixers’ regular season concludes? Nurse seems optimistic.

“I think there’s a very good likelihood that he’ll return before the Play-In/Playoffs,” the head coach added. “He’s doing skill work and has to continue to advance.”

Unlike previous seasons, the Sixers aren’t a lock to make the playoffs at this point in the year. With a 39-33 record, Philadelphia places eighth in the Eastern Conference. Regardless of whether they make the playoffs from earning a sixth seed or better — or enter the Play-In Tournament for the first time in franchise history — the Sixers would benefit from an earlier return from Embiid as he’ll need time to get back into shape for the playoffs.