It has now been almost a full two months since we last saw Joel Embiid suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers. The reigning NBA MVP has been out of commission since January 30 after being forced to go under the knife to address a knee injury.
The Sixers have remained optimistic about Embiid’s return, and now head coach Nick Nurse has provided a rather ambiguous timetable for the superstar big man’s comeback.
Philadelphia 76ers Expect Joel Embiid Back Soon
Nurse spoke to reporters ahead of Thursday’s showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers and as usual, he had to field several questions surrounding Embiid. When asked if the 30-year-old center will return before the regular season ends, Nurse responded optimistically:
“I think there’s a very good likelihood that he will return before the Play-In/Playoffs,” Nurse said.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Joel Embiid is doing skill work on the court in his meniscus rehab.
I asked Nurse what he thinks the likelihood is that Joel returns before either the Play-In or Playoffs — whichever the 76ers are taking part in. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/xdY9T1OQ8i
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) March 27, 2024
The Sixers have 10 more games remaining in the regular season, including Wednesday’s bout against the Clippers. Embiid obviously won’t be available against LA, thereby leaving him with a little over two weeks before the Play-In tournament starts.
The Sixers are currently just 1.5 games behind the Indiana Pacers for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot in the East, but it is clear that the team won’t be forcing Embiid back unless he is a hundred percent healthy.
At this point, it just feels like Philly would much rather go through the Play-In as opposed to risking Embiid’s health by throwing him back into action before he’s fully healthy.
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