Sixers Await Joel Embiid’s Possible Return as Knee Recovery Progresses

The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to build momentum as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, and they may soon get a major boost. Joel Embiid, the centerpiece of the franchise and a perennial MVP candidate, has missed the past nine games while recovering from a knee injury. His absence has forced the Sixers to adjust on both ends of the floor as they attempt to stabilize their season.

Embiid’s potential return took a step forward when he was upgraded to questionable on the team’s latest injury report, according to Austin Krell of OnPattison.com. While this designation does not guarantee he will play, it represents his most encouraging status in nearly three weeks, offering hope that he could rejoin the lineup sooner rather than later.

The star center’s knee issues have stretched across multiple seasons, shaping much of Philadelphia’s recent playoff trajectory. What began as an injury during the 2023–24 campaign persisted into last season, ultimately leading to Embiid being shut down in late February and undergoing surgery in April. Since then, the Sixers have taken a conservative approach to managing his workload.

Still, Embiid has been effective when available this season, albeit in limited minutes. His potential return would immediately alter Philadelphia’s outlook, both for Sunday’s matchup and for the broader challenges of the coming months.

1. A Cautious Step Forward in Recovery

Embiid’s upgrade to questionable is a notable development after an extended period in which Philadelphia ruled him out well in advance of game day. The shift suggests he has made measurable progress in rehabbing the knee and could soon be cleared for action, pending how he responds during pregame evaluations. The Sixers have consistently emphasized patience in his recovery process. After undergoing surgery in April, Embiid gradually ramped up activities during training camp and the early weeks of the season before discomfort resurfaced. This latest update marks the closest he has come to returning since missing nine straight games. Philadelphia’s medical staff is expected to evaluate Embiid’s status up until tipoff, continuing a cautious protocol designed to protect his long-term health. For a franchise that has seen its postseason aspirations derailed by his injuries in the past, minimizing risk remains a top priority. Even if he does play, the Sixers would likely limit his minutes and ease him back into the rotation. A full recovery remains the objective, and Sunday could represent merely the first step toward regaining his usual workload.

2. Ongoing Knee Troubles Shape His Season

The knee injury Embiid is managing is not new—it has persisted across multiple campaigns, influencing how Philadelphia structures his availability. The initial injury suffered during the 2023–24 season impacted his playoff availability and carried into the following year. When symptoms worsened last season, the team shut him down entirely in February. His surgery in April was intended to stabilize the knee and set a foundation for a healthier long-term outlook. But the Sixers have continued to approach his recovery with caution, knowing the physical demands placed on a 7-foot center who anchors the offense and defense. Before his latest setback, Embiid appeared in just six games this season. The Sixers limited him to just over 23 minutes per game—far below his usual workload—to help ease him back into rhythm. Even with those restrictions, he remained productive, offering glimpses of the player capable of dominating stretches of play. The challenge now is ensuring that his knee can hold up over the course of a full campaign—something that has eluded him in recent years. Philadelphia’s strategy reflects both medical necessity and the organization’s long-term goals.

3. A Career Marked by Brilliance and Setbacks

Embiid’s history with injuries dates back to the start of his career. Selected third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, he missed his first two full seasons due to a foot injury. Since entering the league, his durability has been a recurring concern, even as he has become one of the NBA’s most dominant forces. Throughout his 10-year career, he has surpassed 65 games played only twice, during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons—both of which produced MVP-caliber performances. When healthy, he elevates the Sixers into contention; when sidelined, the team often struggles to maintain its identity. His production this season underscores both his value and the importance of managing his health. He has averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals on efficient shooting splits, showing he can make a significant impact even in a reduced role. As the Sixers look to climb the standings, Embiid’s return—whenever it comes—will be central to their ambitions. The question is not whether he can contribute, but whether his body will allow him to consistently do so.