For the first time in nearly eight months, Joel Embiid suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his return in a preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ reserves. The 76ers came away with a 126-110 win at Xfinity Mobile Arena, feeling optimistic about their superstar’s form heading into the 2025–26 regular season.
“The biggest thing I felt was just joy — seeing how happy he was to be out there,” said Tyrese Maxey, who scored 27 points in 30 minutes during the team’s final preseason game. “Before tipoff, I asked him, ‘Are you excited?’ and he said, ‘Man, I’m so excited just to play again.’ I’m really happy for him.”
Embiid hadn’t played since February 22 against the Brooklyn Nets before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. After weeks of practice and participating in an open intrasquad scrimmage, he finally returned to game action Friday night, logging 18 minutes and 35 seconds with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers on 5-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three-point range and a perfect 2-for-2 from the foul line.
“I don’t want to dwell on the past,” Embiid said. “Mentally and physically, I’m in a good place. I’m just grateful to be able to play the game I love again. When you can’t do that, it’s tough — so tonight, I just focused on being out there, helping us win, and enjoying every moment.”
Looking noticeably leaner, Embiid moved smoothly on the court and appeared to have ditched the bulky knee brace that frustrated him last season.
“He looked pretty good,” said head coach Nick Nurse. “He moved well, played well, shot well, passed well — there weren’t many negatives out there.”
The performance was an encouraging step for Embiid as he continues working back toward peak form after his injury setbacks.
Joel Embiid returned to the court for the first time since February on Friday, finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals and 4 turnovers in the 76ers’ preseason finale.
Joel Embiid appeared in just 19 games last season, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Despite those solid numbers, he never quite resembled the dominant force who battled Nikola Jokić for MVP honors in the three previous years.
On Friday night, however, Embiid looked much closer to his old self. Assuming no setbacks following his appearance against Minnesota, he remains on pace to play in the 76ers’ regular-season opener next week in Boston.
“I wouldn’t say I feel like I’m 18 again,” Embiid said with a grin when asked about his progress. “That’s never going to happen. But I’m taking things day by day — learning, adjusting. Some days will feel great, others a bit tight, but it’s all about continuing to do the right things.”
Philadelphia also had other bright spots in the win. Rookie VJ Edgecombe — the No. 3 overall pick in June’s NBA Draft — delivered an impressive performance with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals in 34 minutes, flashing his athleticism and validating coach Nick Nurse’s pregame comments that he’s likely to start next week.
Guard Quentin Grimes made his preseason debut after signing a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer to end his restricted free agency. He contributed 22 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 26 minutes off the bench.
One notable absence was Paul George, who continues to recover from knee surgery performed in July. Although he has been increasing his activity level and participating in team practices, he still needs to clear additional steps before being cleared to play and is not expected to be ready for opening night.
