Joel Embiid might actually play basketball on opening night and maybe even in preseason finale

It’s happening. Maybe. According to Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, there’s “some chance” that Joel Embiid could take the floor Friday night when the Sixers wrap up the preseason against Minnesota.

That’s not exactly a lock, but it’s the first legitimate signal that the reigning MVP might finally be nearing a real return — and not just another round of “progress updates” that lead nowhere.

Joel Embiid’s Long Road Back

It’s been over eight months since Joel Embiid last played in a competitive game — February 2024 against the Warriors, when his left knee gave out again. Since then, it’s been surgeries, rehab, speculation, and more grainy practice clips than actual basketball.

But now? Things are shifting.

Embiid participated in the Sixers’ intrasquad scrimmage this week, took part in practice, and even ran spirited one-on-one drills that teammates said looked “vintage Joel.” Kelly Oubre Jr. summed it up best: “He had the cheat code out there.”

For a guy who looked like a shell of himself in the 19 games he managed to play last year, that’s massive.

Nick Nurse Is Cautiously Hopeful

Nurse didn’t commit to anything, because that’s what NBA coaches do in October. But he made it clear that Embiid is checking boxes and hitting milestones in his recovery:

“It’s a little early in the week to decide,” Nurse said. “It could go either way. We’ve still got some thresholds to get over.”

Translation: they’re not rushing him, but they’re finally considering it — something that felt impossible two months ago.

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And if Embiid doesn’t play in the preseason finale, the Oct. 22 season opener against the Celtics is the next big circle on the calendar.

The Sixers’ Season Depends on Him (As Always)

None of this matters if Joel Embiid can’t stay on the court. He is the Philadelphia 76ers. Everything from the offense to the defense to the entire mood of the fanbase runs through him.

When he’s healthy, they can beat anyone. When he’s not, they look like a lottery team trying to cosplay as contenders. It’s been the same story for nearly a decade now.

If the MVP version of Embiid — the one that dominates the paint, hits mid-range jumpers like a guard, and scares opposing bigs into early foul trouble — actually shows up for a full season under Nurse, the Sixers can make real noise in the East.

A Long-Awaited Glimmer of Hope

Tuesday marked the first time anyone from the organization openly admitted that Embiid’s return is close. For Sixers fans, that’s reason enough to exhale.

After months of silence, rehab updates, and “trust the process” déjà vu, it finally feels like the big man is on the cusp of stepping back into the spotlight.

Whether it’s Friday night or opening night against Boston, one thing’s for sure — when Joel Embiid does finally check in, Xfinity Mobile Arena is going to sound like it’s Game 7 in May.

And Philly deserves that moment.