Joel Embiid Injury Update: First Positive Sign on Reigning MVP’s Return to End 76ers’ Suffering

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost all their momentum because of injuries. Philly started the season red hot with their superstars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey playing in elite form. Unfortunately, Embiid suffered a lateral meniscus in his left knee during a game against the Warriors on January 30. He has not suited up for the Sixers since. With Embiid out for over a month, the Sixers finally received a positive update regarding the reigning MVP’s injury.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse revealed that Embiid is doing work on the court. It is still uncertain when the Center will return to action. But Embiid is making decent progress in his recovery.

The reigning MVP underwent surgery soon after he got injured, and the Sixers are hopeful for his return before the playoffs begin.

Joel Embiid was on fire before injury

The Sixers desperately need Embiid back in the lineup because they might not make it deep in the playoffs without him. Embiid was having a monster season before he got injured. He was the frontrunner to win the MVP trophy, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Unfortunately, he became ineligible in the MVP race because of the new 65-game rule.

In the last 10 games Embiid played before getting sidelined, he averaged 35.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Embiid led the Sixers to become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. However, the Sixers came crashing down after their best player got injured.

The Philadelphia 76ers have struggled without Joel Embiid

Since Embiid’s injury, the Sixers have fallen to the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. Embiid has played only 34 games this season and missed nearly half the season due to injury. That has left a massive void in the Sixers’ offense. In the 30 games Embiid has missed so far, the Sixers have a 10-20 record. Meanwhile, Philly had a 26-8 record when Embiid was healthy and available. That shows how important Embiid is for the Sixers and how badly they have struggled without him. After Embiid got injured, the Sixers had some hope from their star guard Tyrese Maxey.

Read More: Knicks Injury Report: Is OG Anunoby Playing Tonight vs 76ers After 18-Game Absence?

Unfortunately, Maxey has also been out for the last 4 games as he is dealing with concussion-like symptoms. Maxey’s absence has further increased the Sixers’ problems. The Sixers are 1-3 in the last 4 games Maxey has been sidelined. Philly was a legitimate threat to win the Championship when Embiid and Maxey were healthy. Hopefully, both superstars will make their return before the playoffs start so that the Sixers can reach their maximum potential.