Joel Embiid made his return to the Philadelphia 76ers in their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday after missing nine consecutive games. Initially listed as unavailable due to right knee injury management, Embiid’s status was upgraded to questionable early Sunday and he was cleared to play about 30 minutes before tipoff. Alongside Embiid, VJ Edgecombe (recovering from a left calf injury) and Andre Drummond (right knee contusion) were also cleared to participate.
Embiid had been sidelined for the last nine games, with the team confirming he is experiencing pain but no structural damage or setbacks in his knee—a condition coach Nick Nurse labeled as routine. For the first time this season, the Sixers started with a lineup featuring Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. Edgecombe and Dominic Barlow also started the game. Before Sunday, Embiid had played only six games this season, while George had appeared in four, with both still having some playing time remaining in the match.
“I’m just focusing on building on good days and keeping that momentum,” George said after scoring 14 points in Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. “It’s improving. The more I play, the better I feel post-game. Hopefully, as the season progresses, my minutes will increase as my body adapts.”
Drummond had left the prior game against Brooklyn early due to knee issues but avoided serious injury. Edgecombe returned after missing three games with a calf problem. The Sixers were missing Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) on Sunday.
For the Hawks, star player Trae Young was sidelined with a sprained MCL in his right knee, and Kristaps Porzingis was out due to illness.
Fan Take: Embiid’s return is huge for the Sixers and the excitement of the NBA, bringing back one of the league’s premier talents. This boosts the competitiveness of games and keeps fans engaged, reminding everyone of the impact a healthy Embiid can have on the sport.
