Woj: 'Some Hope' 76ers' Joel Embiid Can Return in Late March from Knee Injury

As the Philadelphia 76ers attempt to find answers to slow down their recent struggles without Joel Embiid, there is some encouraging news about the reigning NBA MVP returning before the end of the regular season.

Appearing on NBA Today, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported there is "some hope" the Sixers can get Embiid back on the court in late March.

Embiid has been out of action since Jan. 30 due to a knee injury. He had been dealing with knee issues before a game against the Golden State Warriors, but it was made worse when Jonathan Kuminga landed on his left leg diving for a loose ball.

The Sixers announced on Feb. 6 that Embiid had surgery to address an injury to his lateral meniscus and he would be re-evaluated in four weeks.

If things remain on schedule, the 76ers should provide an update on Embiid's recovery at some point next week.

Philadelphia has been in a freefall with Embiid out of action. The team is 7-17 in 24 games he's missed, including eight losses in 12 games since he was injured against the Warriors.

In 34 games Embiid has played this season, the Sixers are 26-8. Their .765 winning percentage would be the second-best by any team in the NBA, behind only the Boston Celtics (.793).

Embiid was having another MVP-caliber season prior to the injury. He's averaging 35.3 points on 53.3 percent shooting, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in 34 starts.

The 76ers have fallen to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 33-25 record. They are one game ahead of the Orlando Magic at No. 7 and the Indiana Pacers at No. 8 in the loss column.

Philadelphia does have enough of a cushion over the Chicago Bulls (27-31) and Atlanta Hawks (26-32) to avoid falling completely out of the play-in mix if this recent downturn continues until Embiid is able to return.