76ers star Joel Embiid to return Tuesday vs. Thunder

Field Level Media|published: 04/02/2024, 6:30pm EDT

Jan 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. credits: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is expected to return from his left knee injury Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN and The Athletic reported.

The team upgraded Embiid from out to questionable about an hour before the game, which was followed by media reports indicating the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player would suit up. Embiid was not present at shootaround Tuesday morning.

Embiid, 30, has been sidelined since a collision with Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga Jan. 30. He underwent a procedure to fix the damage to his meniscus Feb. 6.

The 76ers own a 26-8 record with Embiid on the floor and are 14-27 without him this season. They entered Tuesday in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, one of four play-in spots.

Embiid's average of 35.3 points per game this season would lead the league if he had played enough games to qualify, and his rate of 11.3 rebounds per contest would rank among the top 10.

—Field Level Media