NBA MVP Joel Embiid returns for 76ers for stretch run following knee surgery
Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup on Tuesday night
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup on Tuesday night, getting his first start in nearly two months after the reigning NBA MVP had knee surgery.
Embiid was cleared to return ahead of Philadelphia’s game against Oklahoma City and played for the first time since he was injured in the Sixers' last game of January. The Sixers plummeted in the Eastern Conference standings without him. A team playing for a top-four spot in the East before Embiid’s injury, the Sixers are 14-27 overall without him this season and 11-18 since he was injured in a Jan. 30 loss at Golden State.
“I want to get him out there and evaluate where we're at,” coach Nick Nurse said.
Sixers fans were ready for the All-Star center's return, chanting “MVP! MVP!” as Embiid warmed up. The Sixers played without All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey (hip tightness).
