Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is set to make his preseason debut on Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as announced by the team. This marks a significant milestone for Embiid, who has been steadily increasing his participation in practice and is now prepared to see some live game action ahead of the upcoming regular season.
Embiid demonstrated his readiness during practice on October 14, showcasing his skill with single-legged fadeaway jumpers, effectively using his left leg to push off and elevate. This is particularly encouraging given that he underwent offseason surgery on his left knee to address ongoing issues that have plagued him for several years.
With Embiid cleared to play in the preseason finale, it’s likely that he will also be available for the Sixers’ season opener against the Boston Celtics on October 22. This news comes as a relief for Philadelphia, which has faced significant injury challenges, especially concerning Embiid, in recent seasons. Over the last two years, Embiid has managed to play just 58 games due to various lower extremity injuries, mainly impacting his knees. His limited participation has hindered the Sixers’ ability to build momentum during the regular season.
The absence of players like Paul George, who is also anticipated to miss the season opener, adds to the struggles the Sixers have faced in recent years due to injuries. However, Embiid’s return brings a glimmer of optimism, with hopes that he can stay healthy enough for the Sixers to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference this season. During the team media day, Embiid expressed positive sentiments about his recovery, stating that he felt “pretty good” post-surgery.
Embiid emphasized his desire to play consistently and avoid the injury setbacks that plagued him last year, saying, “Everybody that knows me knows I want to play. I want to play every single game. I’ve been pretty unlucky when it comes to that compared to most NBA players.”
If Embiid can maintain his health throughout the season, the 76ers could prove to be one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, alongside teams like the Knicks and Cavaliers. With a robust roster featuring depth and key players such as Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey, the potential is there for the Sixers to make a significant impact, provided they can field their star trio together consistently. Hopefully, George will also return soon, allowing the team to fully explore their strengths this upcoming season.