ESPN Sources: Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is nearing a return and expected to play this week. The reigning MVP has been out since January 30 with a left meniscus injury. His status for Tuesday vs. OKC is expected later today.
At crunch time! Joel Embiid to return this week in Regular Season finale with Philadelphia 76ers after two months injured
NBAMonday, 01 April 2024 at 22:44
After having to compete the last two months without their top star, Philadelphia 76ers will once again enjoy the basketball of Joel Embiid this week. The news had already been leaked, but was recently confirmed by ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
Embiid suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee on January 30, and the Sixers have struggled to survive since then without the reigning NBA MVP. Right now the Pennsylvania franchise is 8th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-35 record.
Until the time of his injury, Joel Embiid averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, a real savage and worthy numbers to compete again for the MVP of the season against Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company. However, not being able to reach 65 games played in the entire Regular Season, the Cameroonian center will not be able to aspire to any of the awards at the end of the year.
However, that's not what's important, especially when Philadelphia is in a complicated situation. Right now the Sixers are a play-in team, and ahead of them are the Miami Heat with a 41-33 record, also in the playoff elimination tournament zone in the Eastern Conference. The goal is at least a 6th place finish, which is occupied by Indiana Pacers with a 42-33 record.
No doubt, it will be a tough challenge. Especially considering that the Philadelphia 76ers have just seven regular season games left to play. Still, getting their MVP back for the final stretch inspires confidence, and making up this difference is not entirely impossible for a team that always competes to be one of the best in the East every year.
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