Joel Embiid returned in dominant fashion Wednesday night, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 157-137 win over the Chicago Bulls while providing an encouraging update on his injury status.
Back in the lineup for the first time since Feb. 26 after missing 13 straight games with a right oblique strain, Embiid looked anything but rusty. The former MVP finished with 35 points, seven assists, and six rebounds on 12-of-17 shooting in just 28 minutes, setting the tone early and never letting up. More importantly, he made it clear postgame that, while not fully back, he’s trending in the right direction.
“I feel good enough,” Embiid said. “We are at the point where I just need to get in a rhythm, get in shape to get ready.”
That distinction matters. The performance answered questions about rust, but Embiid acknowledged the oblique remains something the team must monitor closely down the stretch.
Embiid Addresses Injury, Conditioning After Return
Philadelphia exercised caution leading into Wednesday, holding Embiid out for nearly a month due to the tricky nature of the injury. Oblique strains are notoriously difficult to manage, especially for a high-usage player who operates through contact and constant movement. Embiid didn’t shy away from that reality.
“The oblique was very tricky and it still is tricky,” he said. “It’s really nothing you can do about it. Gotta let it ride and hope that it doesn’t get worse.”
There were brief moments during the game where he appeared to wince after contact, yet the overall product told a different story. He scored 15 points in the first quarter, added 23 by halftime, and even handled extended run in the third quarter — all signs that his conditioning is further along than expected. Just as notable, Embiid emphasized that his long-discussed knee concerns are no longer an issue.
“My knees haven’t been an issue for a long time … that’s past me,” he added.
When healthy, Embiid has continued to perform at an elite level. The Sixers are now 8-2 in their last 10 games with him available, and he’s averaging 32.4 points per game on 54/50/85 shooting splits in that span. In short, the impact remains undeniable.
Paul George Adds Spark in Return From Suspension
Embiid wasn’t the only key piece returning to the floor. Paul George also made his return after serving a 25-game suspension, and while his night started slowly, he finished strong with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists. After scoring just five points in the first half, George erupted for 23 in the second, including a stretch in the fourth quarter that helped put the game out of reach.
“I felt pretty explosive, pretty strong,” George said. “I felt good.”
The duo combined for 63 points, marking their most productive game together this season and giving a glimpse of what Philadelphia can be when both are available. Head coach Nick Nurse noted George simply needed time to regain his rhythm, and the second-half surge reflected that adjustment.
With Embiid back, George reintegrated, and Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. nearing returns, the Sixers appear to be rounding into form at the right time. The focus now shifts to maintaining Embiid’s health and building continuity.
Because if Wednesday was any indication, a healthy Embiid doesn’t just raise the ceiling he changes the entire equation for a Sixers team that still remains firmly in the playoff picture.