Joel Embiid Makes Progress in Knee Injury Rehab, 76ers Update Return Timeline
Philadelphia Sixers center Joel Embiid is making steady progress toward a return to the floor.
According to the team, Embiid practiced on Wednesday and participated in some 5-on-5 work. He "still needs to check more boxes" before he's available for games, the Sixers added.
Embiid, who missed all but 19 games of the Sixers' 2024-25 season due to multiple injuries, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April.
The procedure took place just over a year after Embiid underwent a procedure to repair the meniscus in his left knee in February 2024.
The 76ers star did not commit to a return timeline when speaking to reporters on Sept. 26, but did say there was a "plan in place" for his recovery, per Dan Gelston of the Associated Press.
Embiid was named league MVP in 2023 after leading the NBA in scoring for a second straight season.
In two seasons and playoffs since then, Embiid has played in a total of just 65 games for the Sixers.
He saw his production drop even when available last season, finishing his limited campaign having averaged 23.8 points in just over 30 minutes per game.
Losing Embiid alongside Paul George, who also missed most of the 2024-25 campaign due to injury, was a key part of the reason the 76ers struggled to a 24-58 finish last season.
Getting both veterans back in the lineup is key to the 76ers' hopes of putting together a bounce-back campaign in 2025-26.
The 76ers will hope to get positive news regarding Embiid's return timeline before tipping off the regular season on Oct. 22 against the Boston Celtics.
