Philadelphia 76ers center and MVP candidate Joel Embiid might finally return to the hardwood on Friday night after a strange COVID-19 saga during All-Star weekend.

Embiid and fellow Sixers All-Star Ben Simmons were ruled out for last Sunday's All-Star Game following contact with a barber who registered an inconclusive test for COVID-19.

Neither player was eligible to play in Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. It was previously assumed both could also miss Friday's contest against the Washington Wizards, but Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Embiid is listed as probable.

The Sixers did not need either star on Thursday against the Bulls.

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Philly dominated Chicago from the opening tip to the final buzzer in a 127-105 victory. Seven different Sixers were in double figures, led by Tobias Harris' 24 points. Dwight Howard also had a dominant 18-point, 12-rebound performance that resembled the “Superman” of old.

Still, the Sixers will welcome their MVP back with open arms, should he officially get clearance to take the floor.

Embiid has been an absolute force this season. He is averaging 30.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 52.1 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from beyond the arc.

The 26-year-old is a leading candidate for the MVP award alongside Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Embiid ranks just behind Jokic in player efficiency rating (PER), total box-plus minus, and win shares per 48 minutes.

But Embiid will likely take the team success. His Sixers still boast the best record in the Eastern Conference. Embiid could return to help his team sustain its momentum on Friday night.