Embiid Returns: 76ers Star Plays After 8 Months Out Due to Injury

Attention basketball fanatics! Joel Embiid has returned to the court with the 76ers, marking his first appearance in a game in almost eight months. The preseason matchup against the Timberwolves reserves was a resounding victory for the 76ers, with a final score of 126-110 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid and the team were optimistic about their performance heading into the start of the 2025-26 season.

I think the most important thing I felt was joy and how happy he was to be there, and how happy I was for him.

Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey, who scored 27 points in 30 minutes, expressed his happiness for Embiid’s return. The center hadn’t played since February 22, due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Upon his return, Embiid showed encouraging performance, playing 18:35 minutes and recording 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers, with 5 of 10 in field goals, including 2 of 4 in 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.

Joel Embiid

Embiid, visibly 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 called Embiid’s performance “pretty good.”

Last season, Embiid only played 19 games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. However, in the preseason game, he showed signs of regaining his best form. Embiid appears to be on track to participate in the season opener next week in Boston, as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

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. Like I said, just learning. Some days will be good, some days I’ll be a little tense, so I learn from it, adjust, and keep doing the right things.

Joel Embiid

In addition to Embiid, the 76ers had other reasons to celebrate. VJ Edgecombe, the number 3 pick in the NBA draft in June, scored 26 points, with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals in 34 minutes. Quentin Grimes, for his part, made his preseason debut, after signing a qualifying offer of $8.7 million for one year, and finished with 22 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in 26 minutes off the bench. Paul George is still not in condition to play, as he recovers from knee surgery performed in July.