Sixers All-Star's Paul George and Joel Embiid
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Sixers All-Star's Paul George and Joel Embiid
Assuming all goes well this season, the Philadelphia 76ers could very easily make their first NBA Finals appearance since 2001. If last year is any indication, asking their stars to stay healthy is a massive request.
The 76ers‘ title hopes start and end with Joel Embiid, and if he can stay on the court. The team has long made his health a priority, although he will not play in the preseason as he rehabs a lingering leg injury.
He was seen dunking at the 76ers‘ open scrimmage over the weekend. He has not yet been cleared for full action, although there is reason to be optimistic.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 23: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on December 23, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid Is ‘Feeling Good’
Just because Embiid won’t play in the preseason doesn’t mean he isn’t getting shots up and reps in.
He is not a full participant in practices yet, but he is on–or even ahead–of schedule. He played in only 19 games last season. For the Sixers to have hope this season, he will need to be back in MVP form, which is not an impossibility.
“He was in practice again today, looking good, feeling good, so he just did the beginning parts of practice today, but that’s as planned,” outlined Nick Nurse on October 14th. “I do think he responded well to it, so it’s like we’re continuing to cross thresholds.”
When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the world, averaging 20.9 points and 10.8 rebounds while never finishing below second place in the MVP race in his last three full seasons.
When he’s on the bench, the 76ers are a lottery team, even in the weak Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid’s Status for Opening Night Revealed
Formally, his status would be “questionable,” or perhaps even “doubtful.”
Informally, the 76ers are waiting for him to be back to full strength, which should happen sooner rather than later. Philadelphia will open the season on October 22nd against the Boston Celtics, on the road.
The Celtics have their own injury woes, although the 76ers are well ahead of their rival.
“I think there’s some chance,” said Nurse of Embiid playing in the season opener. “It’s a little early in the week to decide, but, you know, I think it could still go either way.”
Between the dunking and practicing, his return should be sooner than initially expected, and once he’s back on the court, he should be one of the best players in the league.
If Embiid plays and is his old, dominant self, the 76ers should be able to cruise through their first game of the season. If he remains healthy, by Christmas, the Sixers could be in very serious contention to win the Eastern Conference.
All of that is a massive “if.”