Joel Embiid Has 'Chance' to Play in 76ers' Preseason Finale amid Injury Rehab, HC Says
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters Tuesday that he thinks "there's some chance" center Joel Embiid, who is rehabbing after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on April 11, will play in the team's preseason finale on Friday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Embiid, who played just 19 games last season due to injury, averaged 23.8 points on 44.4 percent shooting, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 2024-25.
Embiid was recently playing the best basketball of his career. In 2022-23, the former Kansas star won the NBA MVP award after averaging an NBA-high 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
In 2023-24, Embiid was arguably even better, averaging 36.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game through his first 33 contests. That included a 70-point game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Unfortunately, the big man suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee during his team's 119-107 road loss to the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 30, 2024.
Embiid returned in April and played five regular season games before taking part in the team's entire first round series against the New York Knicks. He went back to putting up big numbers in the playoffs (33.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 5.7 APG).
He played for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics, helping guide the team to a gold medal. However, his entire 2024-25 season was beset by injury. He started the season on the sidelines and was was clearly hampered by his left knee during his 19 games, which occurred in three different spurts: November, December/January and then February.
Embiid's last game was on Feb. 22. There's obviously hope for the future, though, based on Nurse's remarks.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst, reporting on the Hoop Collective podcast, said that the team is optimistic as well.
"There's optimism from the 76ers," Windhorst said. "You talk to their executives, coaches, there's optimism. But I mean, what am I supposed to take with Joel Embiid optimism? He'll be playing when he's playing. So, that was a positive sign."
Embiid did play in the team's Blue-White scrimmage on Sunday, and he was also taking part in practice and looking good Monday.
The 76ers open the regular season on Oct. 22 at the Boston Celtics.
