Sixers big man Joel Embiid is very close to making his return to the court after being sidelined for two months with a meniscus injury.
The reigning MVP could make his return as early as Tuesday, NBA insider Shams Charania says.
“76ers star Joel Embiid is nearing comeback as soon as Tuesday’s home game vs. OKC Thunder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The reigning NBA MVP has positively completed multiple five-on-five scrimmage sessions in recent days,” Shams reported on X.
Embiid has been out since Jan. 30 with a left meniscus injury, which required him to undergo surgery.
The center leads the NBA in scoring with 35.3 points a game and was on pace to join Wilt Chamberlain as the only other player to average at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a season.
The Sixers’ injury report on Monday afternoon had Embiid listed as out for Tuesday’s game, but his status could change before tipoff.
When Embiid’s injury happened, the Sixers had a 29-17 and were fifth in the East.
Now, the Sixers have a 40-35 record on the season and are fifth place in the East and looking like they’ll need to enter the Play-In.
The team had an 11-18 record without their best scorer.
Due to various injuries, Embiid has played in just 34 games this season – making him ineligible for MVP or All-NBA honors this season because of the league’s new 65-game minimum rule.
If Embiid doesn’t make his return on Tuesday, he could return in the Sixers match up against the Miami Heat on Thursday, or in the team’s back-to-back Saturday and Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs.
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