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Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid has missed the team's last four games due to knee tendinitis. However, he has been making significant progress and could suit up with the team as early as next week, according to Serena Winters of NBC Sports.
Joel Embiid says he is feeling good and his knee has been getting better (tendinitis) with rehab.
Embiid reiterating that he'll "be back soon," says he expects to be back by next week.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 2, 2019
The Sixers were fortunate to win three of the four games that Embiid has missed. However, the team will be facing the two-time defending champions Golden State Warriors on Saturday, and the team will sorely miss his presence, especially since the Dubs are expected to give DeMarcus Cousins extended minutes in order to prepare him for the playoffs.
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Philly will still have enough offensive firepower to keep up with Golden State, as Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris are all expected to step up in Embiid's absence.
The Sixers, who are currently the fourth best team in the Eastern Conference, would like to hold on to their spot in order to gain homecourt advantage — at least during the first round of the postseason. Their current record stands at 40-22, two games above the fifth seeded Boston Celtics.
With a playoff spot secured, there is no need for the Sixers to rush Embiid's return. They will need him to be 100 percent during the playoffs, and it wouldn't really hurt the team if they give JoJo an extra week of rest.
