Attention basketball fanatics! Joel Embiid has returned to the court with the 76ers after almost eight months of absence. The star center had his first appearance in a preseason game against the Timberwolves.
The match, which culminated in a 126-110 victory for the 76ers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, left positive feelings heading into the start of the 2025-26 regular season.
I think the most important thing I felt was joy and how happy I was to be there, and how happy I was for him.
Tyrese Maxey
Embiid, who hadn’t played since February 22 due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, showed an encouraging performance. In 18 minutes and 35 seconds of play, Embiid recorded 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers, shooting 5 of 10 from the field, including 2 of 4 from three-point range, in addition to making both free throws.
I don’t want to think about the past. I’m in a good mental and physical moment… I’m happy to touch the ball and be able to play basketball and do what I love.
Joel EmbiidThe player, who looks thinner, moved with ease on the court and seems to have left behind the bulky protection he used last season.
76ers coach Nick Nurse assessed Embiid’s performance as “pretty good”.Joel Embiid regresó a la cancha por primera vez desde febrero el viernes, terminando con 14 puntos, 7 rebotes, 8 asistencias, 3 robos y 4 pérdidas de balón en el final de la pretemporada de los 76ers.Embiid only played 19 games last season. Although he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists, he didn’t look like the player who competed for the MVP in previous seasons. His performance on Friday suggests that he is on track to participate in next week’s opening game in Boston.
I won’t say I feel like I’m 18 again. That’s never going to happen. But I’m taking it day by day. Learning. Some days will be good, others I’ll feel a little tense, so I learn from it, adapt, and keep doing things right.
Joel Embiid
In addition to Embiid, the 76ers had other reasons to celebrate. VJ Edgecombe, the third pick in the NBA draft in June, scored 26 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 3 assists and stole 5 balls in 34 minutes.
Quentin Grimes, for his part, made his preseason debut and added 22 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 26 minutes off the bench.
However, Paul George, who is recovering from knee surgery, is still not ready to return and does not seem likely to play in the opening game.
