The long awaited return of Sixers star Joel Embiid may be sooner rather than later. The Athletic NBA reporter Shams Charania tweeted that he could return this Saturday, per source.
Sources: There’s optimism 76ers star Joel Embiid will return on Saturday vs. Minnesota following a three-week absence due to COVID-19. Embiid has been ramping up this week. If unable on Saturday, second game of home stand (Monday vs. Orlando) is possible.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 24, 2021
According to the tweet, the star center “has been ramping up this week,” which shows positive signs of his return. Charania stated that even if Embiid isn't available to face the Timberwolves on Saturday, he could play Monday against the Magic. Both upcoming games are in Philadelphia, preceding the Sixers four game road trip in the beginning December.
Embiid has missed the Sixers last eight games after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 8th. Head coach Doc Rivers has been open with the media about the center's health status. He told the media that Embiid was symptomatic and having a hard time with the virus when he first tested positive.
The team has had some tough outings and lost the first five games Embiid missed. They weren't all horrible losses, though. Most of the games were within just a few scores.
Needless to say, the Sixers have had to regroup a bit after Embiid left a seven-foot-tall hole in the roster. Fortunately for them, players stepped up. Very notably, Tyrese Maxey stepped up. The 21-year-old point guard has averaged 24.25 points in the last eight games.
The Sixers are currently 10-8 and 9th in the Eastern conference. They look to upset the Golden State Warriors tonight, and hope to start their home stretch with Embiid on Saturday.
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