When will Joel Embiid play? The Philadelphia 76ers superstar is gearing up for his highly anticipated season debut next Tuesday, when the Sixers host the New York Knicks. Not only is it Embiid’s first game back from injury management (and suspension), but it is also the start of the NBA Cup. Embiid had been sidelined for the first six games of the season, first due to a left knee injury and then due to a three-game suspension. The Joel Embiid debut is music to the ears of 76ers fans who have watched as their team has gotten off to a poor start.
Former MVP Set To Make Season Debut Against The Knicks
Embiid Suspension Delays Debut
The news of Embiid’s return was shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania on NBA Today earlier this week. “Joel Embiid is ready,” Charania reported, confirming that Embiid will suit up for the Sixers NBA Cup opener against the Knicks, following his suspension. This suspension came after a heated altercation with Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, in the locker room after the Sixers loss last Saturday.
The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid for three games for altercation shoving a columnist in a postgame locker room. pic.twitter.com/odkbFwuA0p
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2024
The altercation that led to Embiid’s suspension stemmed from a column Hayes wrote. The column criticized Embiid’s professionalism and questioned his commitment to staying in shape. In particular, Hayes made personal comments about Embiid’s son and late brother. Embiid’s response led to a shoving incident, and the NBA handed down a three-game suspension.
This suspension delayed Embiid’s season debut. Reports are that his knee is ready and he was possibly to play against the Los Angeles Clippers in last night’s game.
Embiid Debut Against Knicks
While his knee has been an issue, both Embiid and his coaches have reassured fans that he is now fully recovered and ready to contribute. His return is crucial for the Sixers, who have struggled early in the season with a 1-6 record.
The game against the Knicks also offers Embiid a chance at redemption. The Knicks were the team that eliminated the Sixers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. It was a tough series in which Embiid was still dealing with knee issues. Now, fully rested and recovered, he’ll look to get revenge against a familiar foe and historic rival.
Didn’t love the look of Tyrese Maxey walking off the court
He was ruled out with right hamstring soreness pic.twitter.com/dZbhOYgmqQ
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) November 7, 2024
76ers Need to Win Now
The 76ers not only need Embiid to start playing ASAP, but they need him to stay healthy during the season. His new star running mate Paul George just made his season debut a few days ago. The 76ers need both of them to start building chemistry sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately for the 76ers, right as it seemed like their stars would all be healthy at the same time, the injury bug hit them again on Wednesday night. The 76ers best player so far this season, Tyrese Maxey, went down with an apparent hamstring injury. Although the injury doesn’t seem to be significant, any injury news in Philadelphia is triggering.
Hopefully in next Tuesday’s NBA cup game against the Knicks, the “Big 3” of Embiid, George and Maxey will all be healthy and available. The 76ers better hope so because they need to start making their way up the Eastern Conference standings quickly.
