Joel Embiid injury update: 76ers star's return timeline revealed

Many are worried about the health of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid before the season even starts, but the latest update is showing a positive trend.

NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark provided the latest on Embiid's injury status, sharing that he will not appear in the NBA preseason. Despite Clark making abundantly clear that the Sixers star is progressing well, the community was left frustrated.

"Sixers say as part of his left knee management, Joel Embiid was assessed by doctors on Thursday," Clark posted. "Embiid is progressing well and will continue to take part in an individual treatment plan designed to best support his health and wellness for the 2024-25 season. He will not play in this week’s preseason games. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."

This is the same knee injury that forced Embiid to undergo surgery last season, missing roughly two months. He returned to action for their Round 1 series against the New York Knicks, where Philadelphia fell in six games. Although he appeared in all of the matchups, it was clear Embiid was not at full strength.

The plan to keep him out of preseason entirely echoes the importance of Embiid being at full health for the postseason.

"This is part of the plan to ramp him up after the extra workload at the Olympics over the summer," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne wrote. "The biggest goal is to make sure he’s healthy all year, particularly for the playoffs."

Some are even questioning if Embiid will be ready to go for their regular season opener, but nothing is confirmed yet.

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