Insider reveals when 76ers hope to have Joel Embiid back

The Philadelphia 76ers haven't had the best 2023-24 NBA season, especially after losing their superstar, Joel Embiid, for a big chunk of the campaign. It's still unclear when Embiid will make his return to the court, but ESPN's Ramona Shelburne shed light on where things stand with the Cameroonian-born center. 

“Well, he’s not anywhere close right now to coming back, but he is able to get on the court and do some light work here,” Shelburne said, via Liberty Ballers. “The hope that they have in Philly is that they can just stay in the mix for Joel Embiid to come back the last week or so of the season, at least where he has a chance to get back some conditioning before the playoffs.”

Embiid was slowed at times earlier in the season before he was landed on by Warriors big man Jonathan Kuminga while going for a loose ball. He's since been sidelined for five weeks now after undergoing a procedure to repair an injured meniscus in his left knee. 

The Sixers are in a complex position as this update means that Embiid could return days before the start of the playoffs. That situation wouldn't be favorable for his team, considering the intensity of postseason basketball.

To make things worse, Philly has missed Tyrese Maxey due to concussion protocol, worsening their record and making fans worry about this season. 

Ever since Embiid went down with this injury, the 76ers have gone just 7-11. They still have playoff chances, but Maxey will be crucial to keep their hopes alive until Embiid returns.