Joel Embiid Nearing Return to 76ers: What to Expect from his Knee

With the end of the regular season just over two weeks away, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse provided an update on center Joel Embiid’s status while he’s recovering from an early February surgery he underwent on the meniscus in his left knee.

“I think there is a very good likelihood that he will return before the play-in playoff,” Nurse told reporters Wednesday.

Rust will be a factor when Embiid returns and it’s unlikely he will be at 100% because meniscus flap tears require a longer recovery period than traditional meniscus repairs, according to our panel of doctors.

It is also the second meniscus trim on his left knee in his career, which opens the door for potential problems later in his career if he rushes his return to the court.

On NBA Countdown Wednesday, NBA Insider Adrian Woknarowski said it’s “not a matter of if, but when” the 2022-23 MVP can return.

In a previous article, our panel of doctors detailed why mid-April would be a realistic target for his return. With the 76ers final regular season game quickly approaching on April 14, Embiid could retake the floor for limited action in the final few regular season games.

However, it looks increasingly unlike the team can climb to the 6 seed to avoid the play-in tournament. The front office and Embiid will have to weigh the risks of getting him back in action for a potential two-game stretch to win the chance at a playoff series.

The last time Embiid returned from meniscus surgery on the same knee, he had a full offseason to recover.

If he does return before the end of the regular season, expect him to wear a brace and have limited mobility – just like he did in last season’s playoffs when he suffered a right knee LCL sprain.

76ers’ Record without Joel Embiid

Philadelphia has gone 13-27 without the 2023 MVP this season and the team is 3-7 in its last 10 games.

The 7-footer from Cameroon averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 34 games this season on 53.3/36.6/88.3 shooting splits.

After Friday's game, the 76ers (39-35) sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, a game-and-a-half behind the Miami Heat in the No. 7 spot and 4 games ahead of the Bulls at No. 9.