Return of Joel Embiid: Sixers star will play Saturday with Timberwolves after extended COVID-19 absence

After going missing for nearly three weeks due to COVID-19, Philadelphia 76ers Super star Joel Embiid will back to the lineup on saturday with Tobias Harris for the team game with Minnesota Timberwolves. Embiid has been “increase” his condition this week for a comeback, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Embiid tested positive for COVID-19 on November 8, joining a number of other Sixers players who have been in line with the league’s health and safety protocols. Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle and Isaiah Joe All missed time due to the virus, but Embiid’s absence was most felt for being the team’s anchor at both ends of the deck. While Embiid is recovering from COVID-19, the Sixers only go 2-7 in his absence and sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Bringing Embiid back would be huge for a Sixers team that has been destroyed over the past few weeks. Then there’s still Ben Simmons saga with no closer solution.

But despite all those problems, the Sixers are still on the ground with a 10-9 record, thanks to an 8-2 start to the season. Before Embiid was sidelined, the Sixers were proud of NBAis the top foul, and is leading the league 39.4% from deep.

When Embiid returns, however, he will return to a team that has not had a good result without him, as offense has dropped to 15th in the league in his absence. But his output this season (21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, four assists), is sure to give Philadelphia a much-needed boost on both sides of the ring.