Patryk Stachowiak
The reigning MVP candidate is officially back. Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return to the floor on Friday night, suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers in their preseason finale — his first game action in nearly eight months.
Despite limited minutes, Embiid showed flashes of his dominant all-around game, flirting with a triple-double in just 19 minutes of play. He recorded 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals as the Sixers cruised past the Minnesota Timberwolves 126–110. Philadelphia outscored Minnesota by 12 points while Embiid was on the floor — a strong indicator of his impact, even in preseason form.
A Measured Comeback
Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed before tip-off that Embiid would play in “fairly short stints,” sticking to a load management plan as the big man builds conditioning. The strategy paid off: Embiid appeared sharp and mobile, testing his range early with a 3-point attempt just seven seconds into the game.
He logged about six minutes to open the contest and returned for another short stretch in the second quarter. Nurse opted to rest him entirely in the fourth, focusing on gradual progression rather than pushing minutes in a meaningless exhibition.
Joel Embiid. Source: nba.com
From Surgery to Stability
Embiid’s appearance marked his first competitive action since February 22. Last season, he was limited to just 19 games due to a series of injuries — including a left knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery in April, as well as a sprained left foot and a sinus fracture. The 76ers ultimately shut him down for the final 26 games of their 2024–25 campaign, finishing with a disappointing 24–58 record.
Since training camp opened, Embiid has been participating in light practices and following what he called “a plan in place” for his return. The 7-footer’s mindset remains steadfast despite a career filled with setbacks.
“I’ve had so many injuries,”
Embiid said last month.
“The only thing I’ve always told myself is you can’t give up.”
What’s Next for Philadelphia
With Embiid back on the court, Philadelphia can finally start building chemistry under Nurse’s new system. The Sixers open their regular season Wednesday night in Boston — a high-profile matchup against a conference rival and early test for Embiid’s readiness.
For bettors and fans alike, all eyes will be on how Embiid’s workload evolves and whether he can stay healthy enough to reclaim his MVP-caliber form. After a turbulent season, his successful comeback could shift both Philadelphia’s odds and momentum heading into 2025.