76ers' Joel Embiid Reportedly Cleared for NBA Preseason Debut After Knee Injury Rehab

Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid is reportedly set to see some game action before the start of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.

According to NBA TV's Chris Haynes, Embiid has been cleared to play in Friday's preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which is also the Sixers' preseason finale.

PHLY's Kyle Neubeck reported on Oct. 8 that Embiid had resumed 5v5 activity but "still needs to check more boxes" before he could be designated game ready.

The following week, Embiid showed off his progress when he joined the Sixers for a team scrimmage.

The Sixers are hoping to have Embiid back for the 2025-26 campaign after the knee injuries that have cut short his last two seasons.

Embiid was limited by multiple injuries to appearing in just 19 games during his 2024-25 season, which ended when he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April.

The procedure took place just over one year after Embiid underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in the same knee the February prior.

The former NBA MVP saw his offense drop during his limited availability between those two procedures, averaging 23.8 points one season after racking up 34.7 points per game.

The Sixers will hope to see Embiid return to his previous All-Star production levels when he returns.

Although Embiid didn't commit to a recovery timeline during season-opening media availability in September, he told reporters his recovery was "on schedule" and that he hoped to play "consistently" in his 10th NBA season.

Whether or not Embiid is available for the Oct. 22 season opener against the host Boston Celtics, the Sixers will hope he can help the team bounce back from a disappointing 24-win season by remaining healthy and available for a significant part of the upcoming campaign.