Joel Embiid Reportedly to Return from Knee Injury for 76ers vs. Hawks Game 1

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will reportedly start for Game 1 of his team's second-round series against the Atlanta Hawks Sunday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. 

One of Philadelphia's worst fears was realized when Embiid sustained a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee in the first round against the Washington Wizards. While the Sixers closed out that series in five games, Embiid's health became a bigger concern the deeper the team gets into the postseason.

He will now return after missing only one game, although the injury could still potentially limit him going forward.

The 27-year-old is an MVP finalist despite missing 21 games during the regular season, which speaks to how great he was when he was on the floor. He averaged 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. The four-time All-Star also shot 51.3 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from beyond the arc.

In general, the Sixers appeared to have their best shot at winning a championship since Sam Hinkie tore down the roster to lay a new foundation.

Embiid's injury threatened to derail those title aspirations. In addition, it potentially presents Philadelphia with a second straight postseason in which it was without one of its best players after Ben Simmons was missing for a first-round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in 2020.

The center's return could instead give the 76ers a major boost heading into the key series.