Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has started increasing his activity level as he works toward returning to the lineup. The big man took a step forward in his recovery by participating in individual on-court workouts on Saturday.
While the team is still being cautious with his timeline, head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged that a return during the upcoming road trip is not out of the question.
Nurse emphasized that the organization is not trying to set expectations too early as Embiid continues progressing.
“I don’t want to anticipate anything,” Nurse said, though he noted that Embiid potentially returning during the team’s next road trip remains a possibility.
Embiid will sit out his ninth straight game on Sunday when Philadelphia hosts the Portland Trail Blazers.
So far this season, the former MVP has appeared in 33 of the team’s 67 games.
Philadelphia will also be without Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. due to injuries during the three-game Western trip, while Paul George remains out serving his 25-game PED suspension.
Embiid has played 10 seasons for the 76ers. He has averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 485 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 7 All-Star games, and has won 1 MVP award.
Joel Embiid Could Return During Upcoming Sixers Road Trip https://t.co/7RqMuVXdRM
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