76ers' Dwight Howard: 'It's Lights Out' When Joel Embiid Returns from Knee Injury

Blake SchusterContributor IApril 1, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during a game on March 17, 2021 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

It turns out Joel Embiid's knee injury was not a death blow to the Philadelphia 76ers title chances this season. In fact, it may have helped prove just how deep and talented this team is.

The Sixers are now 7-3 since Embiid's injury after knocking off the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-94 on Thursday and keeping pace with the Brooklyn Nets atop the Eastern Conference.

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Dwight Howard: “when we add Joel back to the lineup, it’s lights out”

Dwight Howard believes the team's success without its franchise forward means they'll be able to run roughshod over the league when he returns.

If Embiid is able to return to his MVP-level of performance when he's healthy enough to rejoin the club, Howard may very well be correct in his assessment. The Kansas product is averaging 29.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season.

He'll look to do more damage on the floor as soon as his body lets him.

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