The Philadelphia 76ers plan to re-evaluate superstar center Joel Embiid on Monday after he went through a full practice on Friday, according to Serena Winters of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

The Sixers are in dire need of Embiid's return, considering they just lost their starting shooting guard Josh Richardson for the next two to three weeks after he injured his hamstring five minutes into a 107-95 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

The Sixers had won four straight games before losing at ScotiaBank Arena, but the team was already facing no shortage of identity issues, unsure of who would take the lead without Embiid on the court.

That would no longer be up for discussion once Embiid returns, as it would be he who needs to make his presence felt through the rest of January if the Sixers are to climb out of the sixth spot in the East.

Despite winning six of their last nine games, the Sixers still find themselves behind the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and the Miami Heat in the race for the second seed in the east. The Milwaukee Bucks, who lead the league with a 39-6 record, are a whopping 10.5 games ahead of the Sixers and 7.5 games ahead of their next-best opponent, the Heat. Milwaukee appears to have the top seed in the conference locked up.

Embiid's return is the only foreseeable key to right this ship before it's too late for the Sixers to make a serious run in the postseason. His averages of 23.4 points and 12.3 rebounds per game are vital for this team and so are his defensive instincts, which have proved to be a massive asset for them.

Should he return after his re-evaluation, Embiid could be ready to face the Golden State Warriors at home on Tuesday.