We don't want to jinx anything, but it seems like [things are actually trending up](https://thesixersense.com/joel-embiid-grants-wish-that-76ers-fans-desired-for-months-01k7dbrq6cqh) for the Philadelphia Sixers. Paul George participated in his first full practice on Thursday, but although he isn't expected to play in the season-opener in Boston, that's still good news. What's even better news is that Joel Embiid could play in Friday's preseason game against Minnesota.
Yes, you read that right.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Thursday that Philadelphia is "hopeful" Embiid will be available to play next Wednesday against the Celtics, and that he could get some preseason action in beforehand. Whether he'll play on Friday will be determined in the morning.
If you were thinking about going to the Sixers' last preseason game, it could turn into a game that you don't want to miss. Those kinds of games rarely happen in the preseason, but after an offseason full of questions about whether Embiid would ever be able to play again, Friday could be one of them.
Joel Embiid could play in Sixers' final preseason game
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Embiid has looked good in the videos that the Sixers' social team has put out, but fans know better than to put too much stock into those. Still, it's been hard not to get excited.
When Embiid can play, he'll need some time to get up to speed, but even if he isn't able [to look like the player](https://thesixersense.com/terrifying-joel-embiid-truth-76ers-fans-dont-want-to-admit) he was in 2022-23 when he won MVP, he could still be pretty good. And if, for some reason, he can return to the player he was a couple of years ago, good luck to everyone else, but that's probably way too much of a long shot. It's worth noting that he was even a threat when he was essentially playing on one leg.
Now, everyone reading this should know better than to expect Embiid to come anywhere close to hitting the 82-game mark. He's already said he won't be playing in back-to-back games for the rest of his career. What matters is if he can stay somewhere in the 50 to 60 range. If that happens, that will warrant a celebration.
Embiid is the most important player on the roster. If he doesn't deal with any major setbacks during the season, the Sixers will be a lot better than outsiders think.
It feels like it's almost too good to be true, but believe it or not, Joel Embiid is close to suiting up for the Sixers again.