As the Philadelphia 76ers geared up to face the top team in the East, Philly fans keenly felt the absence of their MVP, Joel Embiid. Embiid left the court tending to his knee during a game against the Golden State Warriors. He further made headlines, deciding to undergo surgery, conducted three weeks ago. Since then, the Sixers have struggled to maintain their dominance, eagerly awaiting Embiid’s return to the court.

In a glimmer of hope, Stephanie Ready shared a hint of “good news,” mentioning that further updates on Joel Embiid would be unveiled in the coming week. Additionally, she emphasized that the franchise anticipates the update to disclose the return timeline for the Sixers’ star player.

As the Sixers contemplate the possibility of Joel Embiid’s return, they find themselves grappling with tough decisions. While the team is eager to see the MVP-caliber player back on the court, the prospect of his return raises concerns about pushing his body, preventing further injuries, and ensuring overall health. So, when debating about the same, Jamal Crawford had a strict stance, stating, “I’m shutting him down.” He argued that even with Embiid, the 76ers were not clear-cut champions. Moreover, his return from injury puts him in a different timeline than his teammates, who will be shaping up for the playoffs. Moreover, adding the fact that Embiid’s recent injury was a recurring one, Crawford deemed it “irresponsible to force him back.”

In their years-long quest to establish themselves as genuine contenders, Philadelphia encounters yet another speed bump. Ironically, once more, their aspirations hinge on the resurgence of Joel Embiid.

Read More – Doc Rivers Confesses Massive Regret Involving Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons Ahead of His Return to Philadelphia

When can Joel Embiid return to the court?

While Jamal Crawford advises the 76ers to ‘Trust the Process,’ NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski has outlined a potential timeline for Joel Embiid’s return, expressing optimism that the Sixers could see him back on the court sometime during late March. This suggests that the team might be strategizing to navigate through the remainder of the regular season without Embiid.

Presently positioned 5th in their conference, the Sixers hold the possibility of clinching a playoff spot if they manage to win a few games. However, they will undoubtedly require Embiid’s presence to navigate any further.

However, the road to the end of the season is still not easy for them. The 76ers have only managed to win 4 games out of 15 without Embiid. When Embiid graces the court, he propels the team into contention conversations, boasting a 75% win rate in their matchups.

Beyond just the wins, Embiid’s scoring prowess elevates the team’s overall scoring and Net Rate significantly, creating a stark contrast to the performance when Philly plays without him.