Embiid returns with all-around line as Sixers top Wolves

For the archetypal clip since precocious February, Joel Embiid suited up for the 76ers and offered a reassuring glimpse of what mightiness travel next. In a 126–110 preseason triumph implicit Minnesota’s reserves astatine Xfinity Mobile Arena, helium logged 18:35 and filled the container score: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers connected 5-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-4 from deep, positive 2-for-2 astatine the line. He moved freely, appeared leaner, and ditched the bulky brace that irritated him past season.

Teammate Tyrese Maxey, who poured successful 27 points successful 30 minutes, said the temper was obvious. “The biggest happening I felt was joy… however blessed helium was to beryllium retired there,” helium said, recalling a pregame exchange: “Are you excited?” Embiid’s answer: “I’m truthful excited conscionable to beryllium retired determination to play.”

“Day by day” aft a mislaid stretch

Embiid has not played since Feb. 22 against Brooklyn earlier undergoing arthroscopic country connected his near knee. He has practiced for weeks and took portion successful a nationalist intrasquad scrimmage, but Friday marked the existent test. “I’m successful a bully abstraction mentally, physically,” helium said. “I’m conscionable blessed to interaction the hoops and beryllium capable to play… doing immoderate bully things, helping america win.” He joked helium does not consciousness “18 years aged again,” past added helium is taking it “day by day,” accepting tighter days and adjusting arsenic needed.

Coach Nick Nurse summed up the nighttime simply: “He moved good, played good, changeable it good, passed it good… I didn’t spot excessively galore negatives.” The show puts Embiid connected way for adjacent week’s play opener successful Boston, pending nary setbacks.

Rookie spark and roster notes

The nighttime offered much than 1 milestone. No. 3 prime VJ Edgecombe delivered 26 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, and 5 steals successful 34 minutes, flashing the diversion bursts that person him penciled into the starting five. Quentin Grimes, backmost aft signing his qualifying offer, added 22 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals successful 26 minutes disconnected the bench.

One lack lingers. Paul George, recovering from July genu surgery, has accrued enactment successful signifier but inactive indispensable wide last steps and is improbable for opening night.