Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return Friday night, recording 14 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in 19 minutes during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 126-110 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was his first game in nearly eight months and a strong step toward regaining full form ahead of opening night.

Embiid, who missed most of last season due to knee surgery and other injuries, added three steals and helped the 76ers outscore Minnesota by 12 points when he was on the floor. It was a brief but encouraging glimpse of the impact Philadelphia has missed — a dominant interior presence who also facilitates with ease.
The two-time scoring champion last played on Feb. 22 before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April. He had been ramping up through light practices during camp and said earlier this month there was a “plan in place” to be ready for preseason action.
Joel Embiid Shows Comfort and Command
Head coach Nick Nurse said before the game that Embiid would have “fairly short” stints, a plan that limited him to under 20 minutes. He played about six minutes to open the game, returned for a three-minute stretch in the second quarter, and sat out the fourth.
The 30-year-old didn’t waste time testing his rhythm, attempting a 3-pointer just seven seconds into Philadelphia’s first possession. His timing and passing appeared sharp, repeatedly finding teammates on cuts and in transition. The 76ers’ ball movement improved noticeably with him back in the lineup.
“I’ve had so many injuries,” Embiid said last month. “The only thing I’ve always told myself is you can’t give up.”
Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 19 games last season before being shut down. The 76ers finished 24-58, missing the playoffs in a year derailed by injuries to their core.
A return to remember for Joel Embiid tonight 🔔
— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2025
14 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 18 MIN pic.twitter.com/AgnSIryKGn
Paul George Still Recovering
While Embiid’s return stole the spotlight, Philadelphia could still be without one of its other stars when the regular season begins Wednesday at Boston. Paul George is expected to miss the opener as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in July and is “making significant progress,” though he still has checkpoints to clear before being cleared for full competition.
He played 41 games last season, averaging 16.2 points — his lowest since 2014-15 — after signing a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers last summer.
Health Remains the Key
Philadelphia’s “Big Three” of Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey appeared in only 15 games together last season. With a deeper supporting cast that includes Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., and rookie VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers are counting on improved health to turn their talent into results.
For now, Embiid’s preseason showing was a reassuring sight. His movement looked fluid, his confidence intact, and his presence once again gave Philadelphia a focal point on both ends of the floor.
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