Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return to the basketball court, playing in the Philadelphia 76ers’ preseason finale after nearly eight months sidelined by knee surgery. His performance, though brief, signaled a positive step forward for the team and the former MVP.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, Embiid took the floor at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ reserves, logging 18 minutes and 35 seconds of game time. He contributed 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers, helping the 76ers secure a 126-110 victory in their final preseason tune-up. This marked his first game action since February 22, 2025, when he last played against the Brooklyn Nets before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April.
The 2024-25 season was marred by injuries for Embiid, limiting him to just 19 games and an average of 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, far from his MVP-caliber form of previous years. His absence contributed to the 76ers’ struggles, as the team finished with a disappointing 24-58 record. Embiid had also dealt with a sprained left foot and sinus fracture earlier in the season, compounding his challenges.
Expressing joy and relief after the game, Embiid emphasized his mental and physical readiness, stating he was “in a good space” and happy to be playing the sport he loves. Teammate Tyrese Maxey noted Embiid’s excitement, highlighting the emotional significance of his return after such a prolonged absence. Embiid reflected on the difficulty of being unable to play, underscoring his gratitude for the opportunity to compete again.
Coach Nick Nurse praised Embiid’s movement, shooting, and passing, describing the performance as “pretty good” with few negatives. Embiid appeared leaner and without the bulky knee brace that had frustrated him previously, indicating improved conditioning and recovery. Nurse’s positive assessment aligns with the team’s optimism about Embiid’s progress as they head into the regular season.
Beyond Embiid, the 76ers saw strong contributions from other players, including rookie VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 draft pick, who scored 26 points with 6 rebounds and 5 steals, reaffirming his spot in the starting lineup. Quentin Grimes made his preseason debut with 22 points off the bench after signing a qualifying offer. However, Paul George remains sidelined with his own knee surgery recovery and is not expected to play in the season opener.
Looking ahead, Embiid is on track to participate in the season opener against the Boston Celtics, barring any setbacks. His return bolsters the 76ers’ prospects for the 2025-26 season, as they aim to rebound from last year’s struggles. The event marks a critical milestone in Embiid’s injury-plagued career, with his health being pivotal to both his personal accolades and the team’s success in the competitive NBA landscape.