Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid may not return by the end of the month as previously expected. However, the Sixers “are hopeful Embiid returns the first or second week of April,” per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey.
Joel Embiid Gets New Injury Timeline
On Sunday, Embiid participated in his first practice since Jan. 30. In the media session that followed, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse briefly discussed the reigning MVP’s appearance but didn’t offer much beyond that.
“He went through a little bit of the practice,” Nurse said. “All non-contact stuff. He’s lifting weights right now. No timeline for his return.”
Patience is Key
Embiid was playing so well to start the season it looked like he might be on his way to winning back-to-back MVPs. His familiar face-up style continues to be one of the league’s most lethal weapons. He also remains one of the most intimidating shot-blockers. Had he not sustained a meniscus tear, the Sixers may still be near or at the top of the East.
Through 34 games, Embiid’s averaging a career-high 35.3 points per game on 53.3 percent shooting from the field and 36.6 percent shooting from 3. Ever-dominant on the boards, Embiid is averaging 11.3 rebounds per game, 5.1 more rebounds than Tobias Harris, who has the next-highest average. Leaning into his playmaking more than ever this season, Embiid is also averaging a career-high 5.7 assists per game.
All this while still, as previously stated, making his impact felt defensively. This season, Embiid is averaging 1.8 blocks per game, his highest mark since 2018-19. His contesting 9.8 two-point attempts per game, third in the NBA, highlights the effort he puts in at this end.
It’s no wonder the Sixers are now 12-22 without Embiid, falling to eighth in the East.
With the big man back at practice, Philadelphia is sure to monitor his health and conditioning. Though his presence in the building brings the anxiety and anticipation that comes with a player of his stature being out so long, the franchise has the past, present, and future to consider.
The past is Embiid missing his first two seasons with injury. Due to his injury history, the Sixers have to approach his rehab with caution. The present is Philadelphia failing to show that they can win enough games without Embiid. The future is the playoffs if the Sixers can hold on long enough. Embiid being healthy for that portion of their 2023-24 campaign takes precedence over the regular season.
The problem is, that Philadelphia may not give him a choice but to return earlier than that.
