The Philadelphia 76ers are expressing optimism regarding the potential return of star center Joel Embiid for their matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. According to Moneyline's Sam Amick, Embiid has recently resumed practicing in five-on-five settings and participated in extensive workouts prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns. He is set to engage in individual workouts on Tuesday in Los Angeles, which are expected to play a significant role in determining his availability for the upcoming game.
While there is a cumulative sense of hope surrounding his return, there remains the possibility that Embiid could face suspension by the time the game begins. The NBA is currently investigating an incident involving the seven-time All-Star and a local columnist that occurred in the Sixers' locker room. His absence from games thus far has been attributed to ongoing issues with his left knee, stemming from a meniscus injury that necessitated surgery in February. Although he made a return late in the previous season and even participated in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the knee has once again posed challenges as the new season looms closer.
The NBA's examination of the situation has concluded that the 76ers are not infringing upon the player participation policy by keeping the 30-year-old out of action, given that his knee ailment is a legitimate and persisting concern. The urgency for Embiid's return is amplified for Philadelphia, which has struggled to a 1-5 start, largely due to the absences of both him and fellow player Paul George. George made his debut with the team on Monday night, but his presence was not enough to alter the outcome as the 76ers fell to the Phoenix Suns, 118-115. Through their careful management of both Embiid and George, the 76ers appear committed to ensuring that both athletes are at peak health as they head towards the playoffs, even if that strategy might risk losing valuable regular season games that could affect their playoff seeding.
