It’s been over two months since Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid last played in an NBA regular season game. But after eight weeks of recovery, he’s finally back.
Shortly after reports emerged that Embiid’s status was upgraded to “questionable” for tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that he is back in the 76ers lineup tonight.
“Sixers star Joel Embiid is indeed expected to make his return vs. Oklahoma City tonight, sources tell ESPN,” Woj wrote on X.
Embiid’s return comes at a critical juncture for the 76ers. At 40-35 with only seven games to play, they’ve already locked up a spot in the Play-In. But there is space for them to chase down the Indiana Pacers and potentially grab that coveted sixth seed and avoid that extra post-season series.
Fans were understandably hyped to have their MVP center back in the fold:
“The best player in the world plays basketball tonight,” one user declared.
“Bro is going to cook the thunder,” wrote another.
“Give him MVP if he gets the W against the Thunder,” a third suggested.
Embiid appeared to be on-pace for another career-year before his injury in January. Just two game before the injury that kept him out of the ensuing eight weeks, he scored a whopping 70 points in a win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Whether Embiid can return to being the player who was averaging over 35 points a game over these final few and the ensuing playoffs remains to be seen. But if he’s fully healthy, the Sixers will be happy to have him back regardless.