The Process is back — and just in time for Philly fans.
Former NBA MVP Joel Embiid was cleared to play in the Philadelphia 76ers’ final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, marking his first appearance since February 22.
A return to remember for Joel Embiid tonight 🔔
14 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 18 MIN pic.twitter.com/AgnSIryKGn
— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2025
The 31-year-old big man missed most of last season — just 19 games played — and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April.
It’s been a rough stretch for Embiid, who’s battled recurring knee issues since his early days in the league. But when healthy, there’s no doubting his dominance: the 2022–23 MVP averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists
while leading the league in scoring.
Drafted third overall in 2014, Embiid missed his first two seasons but has since built a résumé that includes seven All-Star nods and first-team All-NBA honours, with career averages of 27.7 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Philly’s Injury Woes
While Embiid’s return injects optimism, Philly’s injury woes aren’t over.
Paul George, the franchise’s blockbuster summer signing, remains out with a knee injury that has slowed his preseason integration. The team is being cautious, prioritising his long-term fitness over rushing him back for opening night against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.
Rookie Jared McCain is also sidelined (knee and thumb), leaving coach Nick Nurse with limited options as he tries to steady a squad that finished a woeful 24–58 last season — a far cry from their back-to-back 50-win campaigns just two years ago.
Still, with Embiid back on the floor, the Sixers will at least have their cornerstone in place.
(with agency inputs)
