Joel Embiid
Getty
Joel Embiid prior to Game 5 against the New York Knicks on April 30.
After spending a large chunk of the post-All-Star break sitting on the injury report, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid finally returned to action this week.
As the Sixers want to make sure Embiid is fully healthy for when the games hold more weight in the postseason, they are taking a cautious approach down the stretch.
One might assume that Embiid would be a frequent name on the injury report down the stretch, whether he’s playing or not. Apparently, that’s not the case.
When the Sixers released their injury report for the March 28 matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on the road on Friday night, Embiid was not listed at all. It was a shocking development, considering he’s dealt with several setbacks since February.
All seems well on the Embiid front.
Nick Nurse Offers A Joel Embiid Update After The Return
Sixers All-Star big man, Joel Embiid
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 09: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“[He came out] pretty good,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Friday afternoon following a practice session in Camden, New Jersey.
“I think nothing but positive. He’s good, he was obviously a full participant in today’s practice, so I think he’s all good there.”
Whenever Embiid returns from a long recovery, the big question after his first game back is how will his body respond? Clearly, the Sixers are worry-free on that front so far.
During Embiid’s first action back, the star center checked in for 28 minutes against the struggling Chicago Bulls.
Embiid picked up right where he left off. During his shift, the multi-time All-Star shot 12-17 from the field and knocked down all three of his shots from beyond the arc. He produced 35 points.
Along with his scoring, Embiid came down with six rebounds, produced seven assists, and blocked one shot. The Sixers dominated the Bulls with a 157-137 victory.
Despite having a lack of availability at times, due to knee concerns, a shin issue, and most recently, an oblique strain, Embiid has been a dominant presence for Philadelphia this season when on the court.
In 34 games, he has posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
The Sixers hold a 22-12 record when he’s on the court.
The Sixers’ Standing In The Eastern Conference
Sixers' Joel Embiid against Knicks
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 25, 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Sixers will enter Saturday’s action as the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed.
They hold a 40-33 record, which places them 0.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks and 1.0 games behind the Toronto Raptors.
The Charlotte Hornets are 1.0 games behind the Sixers as the East’s eighth seed. They are one of the hottest teams in basketball currently. Over the past 10 games, the Hornets are 7-3. They’ve won five in a row, looking to make it six at home against the 76ers.