After a disappointing 2024-25 season where injuries were the top story for the Philadelphia 76ers, the same problems have struck the team before the 2025-26 season has even begun.
Second-year guard Jared McCain is already in line to miss time after getting surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb, an injury he sustained during an offseason workout. Of course, franchise star Joel Embiid is still working on getting back to better health while recovering from knee surgery as well.
McCain won't be ready for the start of the regular season, but after recent news, Joel Embiid is trending towards getting better.
Joel Embiid participates in practice, still needs time before being cleared
Former NBA MVP Joel Embiid has endured a difficult stretch in recent years. He appeared in only 19 games in 2024 while battling lingering lower-body injuries. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in April, he's still working his way back from the procedure.
With the 2025-26 NBA season just weeks away, his status for the start of it is still in the air. However, the 76ers received positive news on the franchise star on Tuesday.
NBA insider Derek Bodner provided the update on Embiid, saying, "Joel Embiid practiced today, has increased his participation and did some 5-on-5. He is being evaluated daily and the team says he still has some boxes to check before he is cleared for playing in games."
Although it's still unclear when Joel Embiid will return to full strength, he appears to be making steady progress toward playing at a competitive level again.
After Philadelphia finished the 2024-25 season with a 24-58 record, it's clear the team needs Embiid to return to playoff-contending form. He's set to earn $55.2 million this season, the largest sum of money on the 76ers' payroll.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Cavaliers' Darius Garland could miss games with injury setback
- Thunder's 2024 lottery pick set to miss start of season after setback
- Warriors' Stephen Curry discusses retirement entering 2025-26 season