Joel Embiid Returns to 76ers Lineup After 15-Game Absence

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is set to return to the court Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks after missing 15 games due to injuries. The reigning MVP has been sidelined since Jan. 4, initially with a sprained left foot and later due to swelling in his left knee.

Embiid, who has played in only 13 of the team’s 48 games this season, rejoins a struggling Sixers squad that has gone 5-10 in his absence. Despite recent improvements, including a four-game winning streak, the team sits at 19-29 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, 3.5 games out of playoff contention.

“We’re excited to have Joel back,” said Sixers coach Nick Nurse. “He doesn’t have a strict minutes limit, but we’ll likely see him play around 30 minutes.” Embiid’s return comes at a critical juncture as the Sixers aim to salvage their season.

The team’s Big Three of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George has logged only 192 minutes together this season, finishing just seven games. In those games, the Sixers went 6-1, including a Christmas Day victory over the Boston Celtics. However, injuries have plagued the trio, with George currently sidelined with a finger injury.

Philadelphia’s recent trade acquisitions, including Quentin Grimes from the Mavericks, aim to bolster the roster. Grimes, however, will not be available Tuesday. The Sixers will also be without George, Eric Gordon, and backup center Mo Bamba due to injuries.

Dallas, meanwhile, will be missing key players Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber, and P.J. Washington. The Mavericks’ new acquisition, Grant Williams, is expected to make his debut.

Embiid’s return could provide a much-needed spark for the Sixers, who are looking to climb the standings and secure a playoff berth. “We have to figure out how to get our five best guys on the floor,” Nurse added. “Joel is certainly one of those.”