Joel Embiid returned to the long-awaited Philadelphia 76ers roster Saturday night, and despite missing nine games while following league health and safety regulations, Embiid looks like he’s made it. Don’t miss a beat.
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Embiid joined health and safety protocols on November 8 after contracting Covid, and in his absence the team went 2-7 in that span, including Five consecutive losses after announcing that he would be retiring.
There is speculation that Embiid has “stepped up” his conditions in preparation for a return this week, and it was announced shortly before the match against the Timberwolves that Embiid would start.
Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris will play for the Sixers tonight, sources told ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 27, 2021
Embiid played nine of the Sixers’ first ten games – just one game short of rest – before starting health and safety protocols, and is averaging 21.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in those games.
There may have been concerns about Embiid’s stamina after missing so many games, but he played 45 minutes in the extra-time loss to Minnesota, scoring a brace of 42 points and 14 rebounds.
THAN: Joel Embiid returns to the Sixers
Embiid showed off the full arsenal of weapons in his pocket, low drop moves, 3 pointers, and mid range jumps.
Over the course of two extra periods, he scored 13 of the team’s 20 points but he had no answer to two Timberwolves late strikes that closed the game.
This game is the 14th 40-10 doubles game of Embiid’s career, most by 76ers since 1981-82 . season.
With the loss, the Sixers tumble to 10-10 in the season with a home game against Orlando set to take place on Monday before a four-match road trip.
