Joel Embiid's return would be a welcome sign for the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans, also knowing that the reigning NBA MVP has been told he won't return unless he's fully ready. You can also feel relieved.
“From what I know about Embiid and his inner circle, he's going to be on guard,” ESPN's Zach Lowe said in a conversation with Tim McMahon. low post (around 8:30). “He knows his injury history and he knows he's a very big person with injuries to his legs, knees, back and everything else. He's careful and he should be careful. …If he's ready to come back this soon,” that means his 5-on-5 scrimmage is on track. ”
Lowe's comments follow ESPN's comments Adrian Wojnarowski A report Monday said Embiid is recovering from a torn left meniscus that has sidelined him since Jan. 30 and is “close to return and expected to play this week.”
The 76ers were 26-8 when Embiid played before his setback, but his return didn't come quickly.
They have continued to struggle, and are currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 40 wins and 35 losses. They are also 2.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers and will likely advance to the play-in tournament at the end of the regular season.
But Philadelphia's team, with a healthy Embiid playing alongside Tyrese Maxey, is not your typical play-in tournament team.
The big man averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals before the injury while shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from 3-point range, making him the MVP for the second straight year. I was close to winning it.
Not only are the 76ers dangerous in the play-in tournament, but if they make the playoffs they could pose a threat to the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, who lead the Eastern Conference standings.
Injuries have always been a concern for Embiid, who missed his first two seasons in the league and has yet to play more than 68 games in a season in his career, but he seems to be returning at the perfect time. The 76ers are preparing for a possible playoff berth.
