Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid has been out of action since suffering a torn meniscus in his knee back on January 30 against the Golden State Warriors.
We have received random updates on Embiid’s status heading into the latter stages of the regular season. But nothing concrete.
Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse gave us the most-detailed update. It has to be seen as good news for Philadelphia and the team’s playoff aspirations.
“I think there is a very good likelihood that he will return before the play-in playoff,” Nurse said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Philadelphia stands at just 10-16 since Embiid went down to injury. It entered Wednesday’s action as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and highly unlikely to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
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Joel Embiid stats (2023-24): 35.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 53% shooting
Prior to going down to injury, Embiid was the single-most dominant player in the Association this season. His importance to Philadelphia’s success is also well known.
In games that Embiid has missed this season, the 76ers have lost 25 of 38. They are 26-8 when he plays. That’s the definition of most valuable.
There are roughly two weeks remaining in the regular season. That span will see Philadelphia go up against the likes of the Cavaliers, Thunder, Heat and Magic.