Report: 76ers’ Joel Embiid Could Return In Late March

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid could return in late March. 

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

"I think there's some hope that they can get him back on the court some time in late March."@wojespn on Joel Embiid's expected return. pic.twitter.com/Tk5ZrWAFJI

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 27, 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 field, 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 straight MVP Award 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 was dealing with left knee soreness all season.

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

The Sixers are 33-24 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 playoffs, Philadelphia will not compete for the championship. 

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 and will make $51.4 million in 2024-25. 

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

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