NBA Rumors: 76ers’ Joel Embiid Has Started On-Court Workouts amid Knee Injury Rehab

zach bacharContributor IMarch 3, 2024

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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is making progress in his return from a left knee injury.

According to ESPN’s Katie George on the game broadcast, the reigning MVP has “started on-court workouts and began lifting 100 percent of the weight he lifted prior to the injury” with an update from team expected soon (h/t ESPN’s Austin Krell).

Embiid suffered a significant meniscus injury that required surgery on Feb. 6, with an initial re-evaluation timeline of four weeks.

The 76ers have struggled without seven-time All-Star, owning a record of just 6-8 in the 14 contests since Embiid’s last appearance on Jan. 30. The 29-year-old seemed optimistic about coming back before the playoffs start, telling ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on Thursday that he’s “feeling good” despite not having a timeline for his return.

Philadelphia would certainly welcome Embiid back with open arms, as he appeared poised to contend for his second consecutive MVP award prior to the surgery. In 34 starts, he averaged 35.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three.

He was also blossoming as a passer under new head coach Nick Nurse, dishing out a career-high 5.7 assists each night. The 76ers have struggled to find a suitable replacement in his absence.

While it would be highly improbable for anyone to match his production, Philadelphia has still cycled through options at center. Paul Reed initially earned the starting job, although he’s returned to a reserve role in favor of Mo Bamba during the team’s past two contests. Bamba has averaged just 5.0 points in 16.5 minutes per game throughout his two starts, but the 76ers have won both games.

At 35-25, Philadelphia still appears poised to make the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. The team’s hopes of going on a postseason run rest squarely on Embiid’s shoulders, though.