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76ers eagerly await Joel Embiid’s return to lineup

Photo: Philadelphia 76ers/Twitter

The Philadelphia 76ers are eagerly awaiting the return of their star center, Joel Embiid, as they navigate a challenging start to their season.

Head coach Nick Nurse expressed optimism that Embiid’s current injury, a sprained left foot, is not a serious or lingering issue.

Nurse hinted that Embiid could make his return to the lineup as soon as Sunday, which would be a significant boost for the team as they look to stabilize their performance.

Embiid’s season has been riddled with setbacks, making it difficult for the team to establish rhythm and consistency.

Out of the 76ers’ first 36 games, the six-time All-Star has been unavailable for 23 due to a combination of health and disciplinary issues.

His absences have been the result of knee soreness, a sinus fracture, a three-game suspension, and most recently, a sprained foot.

Each of these challenges has tested Philadelphia’s ability to compete without their franchise cornerstone.

When Embiid has been on the court, the team has fared better, achieving a 7-6 record in those 13 games.

However, his prolonged absences have taken a toll on the 76ers, who have struggled to an 8-15 record in the 23 games without him.

The Sixers are hoping to use his anticipated comeback as a springboard to find consistency and re-establish themselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference.

The lingering question, however, is whether the big man’s health will allow him to stay on the court for the remainder of the season.

Embiid has played 9 seasons for the 76ers. He has averaged 27.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 446 regular-season games.

He was selected to play in 7 All-Star games and has won 1 MVP award.

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