Embiid logs first minutes in nearly eight months as 76ers close preseason with win
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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid stepped on the floor Friday for his first game since Feb. 22 and helped the Philadelphia 76ers finish the preseason with a 126-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves’ reserves at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The reigning All-Star center, sidelined nearly eight months after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, played 18 minutes 35 seconds and produced 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals on 5-for-10 shooting. He hit both free throws and went 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
“I’m just happy to touch the basketball and be able to play,” Embiid said afterward. “Tonight that’s all I kept thinking about.”
Head coach Nick Nurse called the outing “pretty good,” noting that Embiid moved well and passed effectively without needing the bulky brace he wore late last season.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 27 points in 30 minutes. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in June, added 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and five steals, reinforcing Nurse’s plan to start him when the regular season opens next week in Boston. Guard Quentin Grimes, who recently accepted his $8.7 million qualifying offer, debuted with 22 points, five assists and three steals off the bench.
Paul George, still rehabbing from July knee surgery, did not play and is not expected to be ready for opening night. The veteran forward has participated in recent practices but must clear additional steps before returning.
Embiid appeared in just 19 games last season, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Barring setbacks, the 30-year-old is on track to be available when the 76ers visit the Celtics to start the 2025-26 campaign.
Source: ESPN
