Per Shams Charania of the Athletic: Joel Embiid is “hopeful” to be back with the team on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.

If you haven’t noticed, Joel Embiid has been missing from the 76ers lineup for the past two weeks after he left the game against the Cavs in Cleveland on February 26th.

The Sixers have gone 2-2 without Embiid in the lineup. With the team also missing Ben Simmons and Josh Richardson – a healthy Embiid will be a HUGE help to a Sixers team that looks more like the dreaded “process” years than a championship contender.

Embiid’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial time for the Sixers – who after Saturday, come home for 5 of 6 games.

The Sixers are currently in 5th place (a half game up on the Pacers) in the Eastern Conference. Before injury Embiid was “having fun” again and absolutely dominating.

With 2.5 games separating the 76ers and Heat, the Sixers need to keep pace in the Eastern Conference and get healthy before the playoffs. Joel Embiid is Step 1. Josh Richardson should be cleared to play after concussion protocol. The injury status of Ben Simmons is unclear – but the 76ers are looking for him to return just in time for the playoffs.