Joel Embiid is getting closer to a return.
The 76ers star and reigning NBA MVP is out with a torn meniscus and hasn’t played since Jan. 30.
He’s been limited to just 34 appearances this season, but he’s close to returning in time to potentially join the 76ers for the playoffs in April.
Video was released of Embiid practicing with the team in Toronto during a trip north to face the Raptors on Sunday.
NBC Philadelphia reported that the All-Star could practice with contact, with the goal of returning before the end of the regular season, which ends April 14.
Embiid averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game this season and earned a seventh straight All-Star nomination.
The 76ers were the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference heading into Sunday night’s games and are in danger of entering the play-in tournament for one of the final two playoff spots.
With Miami at No. 7, the 76ers and Heat would face each other if the rankings remain as is until the end of the season.
Landing the No. 8 seed would position Philadelphia for a first-round series with the Celtics, who already clinched the top seed and eliminated the 76ers in seven games in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals despite a trailing 3-2 heading into game six.
New York Post
