Joel Embiid injury update is closely watched, with less than a month until the playoffs. THE Philadelphia 76ers fell into the play-in tournament bracket due to his absence. They are 9-14 years old since he suffered a torn meniscus in January. The Sixers still hope to make an impactful playoff run with a play-in tournament victory if Embiid returns in time.
Tyrese Maxey carried the team in his absence, but he missed five games during that stretch, further hampering the shorthanded 76ers. Philadelphia continues its season against the LA Lakers on Friday night without Embiid.
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Joel Embiid Injury Update: Latest News on All-Star Return Ahead of 76ers-Lakers
Embiide is far from back for the 76ers ahead of their game against the Lakers, but coach Nick Nurse provided an injury update. On Wednesday, Nurse said Embiid was back on the court “almost every day,” resuming basketball activities. The nurse also mentioned that the tests were “positive” and that he is making progress.
The Sixers are now in the phase where they are monitoring Embiid’s preparation for contract training, starting with individual and five-on-five sessions.
Embiid is not with the team for their West Coast trip that concludes Monday against the Sacramento Kings.
What happened to Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid has a torn meniscus in his left knee. He had been dealing with a left knee problem for weeks before aggravating the injury on January 30 during a 119-107 loss to the Warriors of the Golden State. Jonathan Kuminga fell on Embiid’s injured leg in the fourth quarter of this contest.
How long is Joel Embiid out? Explore more in the middle of the reported timeline
Embiid’s season might be far from over. With at least three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Sixers could see the reigning NBA MVP return to the lineup soon. According to the 76ers reporter, the team is hoping Embiid could be on the field during the first or second week of April. The Sixers will then have eight games to play.
They finish the season with a three-game homestand against the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets. This might be a more realistic timeline, considering the time needed to ramp up and regain playing fitness.
Embiid will have decent reps by the time the play-in tournament begins, allowing him to elevate his contribution and guide the Sixers to the playoffs as a seventh or eighth seed. The Sixers are 38-31, eighth in the East heading into Friday’s game against Los Angeles.
