Sixers star Joel Embiid
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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on before playing against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The seven-time NBA All-Star Joel Embiid had to feel really good on Wednesday, March 26.
As the Philadelphia 76ers geared up for their matchup against the Chicago Bulls, they upgraded Embiid to questionable.
After dealing with an oblique strain for the past month, Embiid finally received clearance to take the court for the first time in March. It’s safe to say the game was a success for the returning big man.
Embiid took to Instagram shortly after the game concluded to send a brief message to his seven million followers.
via Joel Embiid on Instagram: 7th inning stretch!!!
Joel Embiid And The Sixers Dominate The Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are recognized as one of the Eastern Conference’s rebuilding teams.
Considering the Bulls’ lack of chemistry and having a loaded injury report, it didn’t come as a surprise to see the Sixers take control of the game the way they did.
Embiid checked in for 28 minutes.
During that time, the star center shot 12-17 from the field. He was perfect from beyond the arc (3-3) and knocked down all but one of his nine free throws.
The star center finished the game with 35 points. He also produced six rebounds, seven assists, and one block on the night. In limited action, Embiid managed to prove that he remains one of the most dominant players in the game, even after a long layover due to a physical setback.
Along with Embiid, the star forward, Paul George, returned to the court. He shot 11-22 from the field and 6-13 from three in 26 minutes. George finished the game with 28 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Sixers Are Still In The Playoff Hunt
One week ago, the Sixers seemed to be on the path to locking up a Play-In position, rather than gaining a spot in the top six.
But after winning six of their last 10, despite being shorthanded, the Sixers are still very much in the playoff hunt. After Wednesday’s win, the Sixers advanced to 40-33 on the year.
They remain in seventh place, but the Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors have just a 1.0-game lead. The fifth and sixth seeds are still there for the taking. With the return of Embiid, the Sixers should have a legitimate shot at avoiding the Play-In this season.