Although Joel Embiid couldn’t suit up and play for the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic, the star center was in attendance.
The NBA Play-In game served as the first time Embiid’s teammates got to see him since he received an appendectomy in Houston, Texas, last week.
After the game, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey revealed that Embiid’s presence was a huge lift for a Sixers team that was one win away from clinching a playoff spot.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
âHuge. Huge, man. Huge,â Maxey told reporters, regarding Embiid showing up.
âKyle [Lowry] called me two days ago, and he said what do you think about Joel coming to the game? It would just be a huge lift. I was like, âIf we can, if heâs up to it.â We didnât even ask him. If he can then he will. And he was there. I talk to him on the phone, and I was surprised to see him there. I gave him a big hug. Iâm glad to see him, man. His spirits are high.â
Before the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse shared his perspective.
Nick Nurse Makes Joel Embiid Statement After Win vs Magic
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 20: Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“He was questionable whether he was going to be able to get here tonight because of some of the stuff they’re doing, but I didn’t even realize he was over there,” Nick Nurse told reporters after the game.
“The film started, and I looked over, and he was sitting in his seat and had a big smile on his face, and most of the other guys didn’t know he was there either. So, they asked him how he was. He said he feels good. He smiled. Some of the players said hello to him and all that kind of stuff. So it’s good to have him around.”
It’s still too early for the Sixers to reveal an official recovery timeline for Embiid.
Heading into the first of potentially two Play-In games, Embiid was ruled out. The Sixers will get the next few days off as a 109-97 win over the Magic allowed them to punch their ticket to the playoffs.
On Sunday, the Sixers will pay a visit to the Boston Celtics for Game 1.
Since Nurse didn’t have any updates beyond Embiid’s presence at the arena for Wednesday’s game, it’s safe to assume that Embiid’s status for Sunday is up in the air. However, based on the many timeline reports from doctors outside of the building, Embiid is a long shot to return for the first meeting of the playoffs.
An official status will be revealed on Saturday at the latest.
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