Embiid Returns: 76ers Celebrate After 8 Months Out, Heading to the NBA

Embiid Returns to the Court: A Relief for the 76ers

In a moment highly anticipated by basketball fans, Joel Embiid returned to action with the 76ers. After nearly eight months of absence, Embiid participated in a preseason game against the Timberwolves. Despite being a preseason game, the 126-110 victory at the Xfinity Mobile Arena left a taste of optimism in the team and in Embiid himself, looking ahead to 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 out there, and how happy I was for him”

Tyrese Maxey

Embiid hadn’t played for the 76ers since February 22nd, when they faced the Nets, due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. However, after several weeks of training and a scrimmage open to the public, Embiid showed encouraging performance. In 18:35 minutes 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-pointers, and 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.” Embiid, who looks thinner, moved with ease on the court and seems to have left behind the cumbersome knee brace he used last season. 76ers coach Nick Nurse positively assessed Embiid’s performance, highlighting his good movement, shooting, and passing.

Embiid only played 19 games last season. Although he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists, he did not show the level that led him to compete for the MVP in previous seasons. On Friday, Embiid showed a version closer to his best form and, barring any setbacks, could participate in the season opener against Boston next week. Beyond Embiid, the 76ers had other reasons to celebrate. VJ Edgecombe, the third pick in the June draft, scored 26 points, with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals in 34 minutes, generating spectacular plays. Quentin Grimes, for his part, debuted in the preseason with 22 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in 26 minutes off the bench. A player who did not participate and it seems will not be ready for the start of the season is Paul George, who is still recovering from knee surgery.