Follow usPhiladelphia 76ers’ standout Joel Embiid is nearing a return before the end of the regular season, as confirmed by coach Nick Nurse on Wednesday.
Embiid has been absent from the court due to a left knee injury sustained during a game against the Golden State Warriors on January 30th, when Jonathan Kuminga fell on him. Following the incident, Embiid underwent a procedure to address the knee damage on February 6th.
Nurse expressed optimism regarding Embiid’s potential return, stating before the team’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, “I think there’s a very good likelihood that he will return before the play-in playoffs.” He further elaborated, “He’s on the court … and we still don’t have a timeline for his return. … I would imagine he’s getting better each day. It’s just trying to get him strong and confident and in shape and ramped up and all those wonderful words.”
The 76ers have posted a strong 26-8 record with Embiid on the court this season. In his absence, their record stands at 13-25 as of Wednesday, with a 10-16 record since Embiid’s injury on January 30th. Embiid, aged 30, currently holds the title of reigning NBA Most Valuable Player. Despite his absence, his remarkable average of 35.3 points per game this season would lead the league if he had played in enough games to qualify, while his rebound rate of 11.3 per contest would place him among the top 10.
Nurse also provided updates on Robert Covington, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since the start of the new year, and De’Anthony Melton, who has been out of action since late February due to a back ailment.
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