Joel Embiid may be nearing a return to the Philadelphia 76ers after missing 15 consecutive games due to a left knee injury. The star center participated in the team’s practice on Monday, with the exception of Jared McCain, who is out for the remainder of the season. Embiid is currently listed as questionable for the Sixers’ home game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, signaling that he could be ready to rejoin the lineup soon.
Getting Embiid back before the All-Star break would be a major boost for the 76ers, who are struggling at 19-29 and sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. While Tyrese Maxey has been playing well lately, the team is still in need of Embiid’s dominant presence in the paint and leadership on both ends of the floor to help propel them up the standings. His return could be key to their push for a playoff spot.
The 76ers’ injury woes don’t end with Embiid. Paul George is still out due to a left finger extensor tendon strain, while Caleb Martin (right hip sprain), Eric Gordon (left knee soreness), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction), and Andre Drummond are all listed as questionable. Gordon missed the 76ers’ previous game, while the others have been sidelined for longer stretches, with Drummond only recently returning after a Christmas injury.
On the other side, the Mavericks, who made significant changes to their roster by trading Luka Dončić, will also be missing key players. Anthony Davis is out with an abdominal muscle strain, while Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture) and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) are also unavailable. However, Max Christie is ready to play. Both teams are dealing with injury challenges, which could impact their performances in the upcoming matchup.
