76ers Optimistic Joel Embiid Will Play Again This Season

According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers are optimistic Joel Embiid will play again this season. 

Embiid underwent surgery on his left knee to address a meniscus injury. The reigning MVP was diagnosed with a displaced flap of the meniscus.

“There is an optimism in Philadelphia that Joel Embiid can return at some point during the regular season — at least close enough to the playoffs to get his rhythm heading into the playoffs. But [the #Sixers] don’t wanna put any timeframe on it until he starts ramping up, but I’m…

— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) February 21, 2024

Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks this season while shooting 53.3% from the floor, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 88.3% from the free-throw line. He has 27 double-doubles and two triple-doubles in 34 games.

Embiid will not win his second MVP this year since he will fall short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum to earn postseason awards. According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, Embiid has been dealing with left knee soreness all season.

A seven-time All-Star, Embiid missed the first two years of his career with foot issues. He’s had several knee injuries since entering the NBA in 2014.

The Sixers are 32-22 under first-year head coach Nick Nurse. They are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. If Embiid doesn’t play in the 2024 postseason, Philadelphia will not compete for the championship. 

Daryl Morey traded Patrick Beverley to the Milwaukee Bucks for Cameron Payne at the NBA trade deadline. He also acquired Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers and signed Kyle Lowry on the buyout market. 

Embiid has career averages of 27.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocks. He’s fourth in NBA history in points per game.

The 29-year-old Embiid signed a four-year, $213 million extension with the Sixers in August 2021. He’s making $47.6 million this season.

The Sixers have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era. It will be intriguing to see how far Philadelphia goes in the 2024 postseason.