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Joel Embiid has been cleared to make his long-awaited NBA return after a prolonged two-month absence from the game, as he is set to play for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old center was initially listed as questionable for his team’s latest home game before being made available by the 76ers’ medical staff, barely two hours prior to tipoff, according to ESPN.
Embiid had been bothered by a left meniscus injury since January 30, when he hurt himself against the Golden State Warriors. The reigning MVP had surgery on Feb. 6.
The 76ers are currently the eighth seed of the Eastern Conference and are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether, as the Chicago Bulls trail them by four-and-a-half games with seven games remaining.
The NBA postseason will begin later this month, starting off with the league’s play-in tournament on April 16. As things currently stand, the No. 8 76ers would play against the No. 7 Miami Heat as part of two play-in matchups in the East.
Joel Embiid returns at the right time for the 76ers as they’re in danger of missing the playoffs
The 30-year-old center has not played since going down injured against Golden State in Jan.
Sixers star Joel Embiid is indeed expected to make his return vs. Oklahoma City tonight, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/DJUiOPcEfI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 2, 2024
Philadelphia is 26-8 with Embiid this season and 14-27 when he doesn’t play.
Another key 76ers player who has been listed as questionable for Tuesday night’s game against OKC is Tyrese Maxey. A last-minute decision will be taken regarding his status. Maxey missed Sunday’s 135-120 win in Toronto with left hip тιԍнтness.
‘When you’re playing without two main guys on offense, you have to find ways,’ forward Nicolas Batum said after Sunday’s game.
Against the Raptors, that was with 3-point shooting, as the 76ers set a franchise record with 24 3-pointers.
The Thunder (52-22) come into Tuesday’s game a half-game ahead of Denver for the top spot in the Western Conference.
