What Joel Embiid's return means for the Philadelphia 76ers and the East playoff picture

"Go faster?" Nurse said postgame, when asked what was going through his mind when he saw Embiid driving the paint in the closing moments of a one-point game after swiping the ball from Thunder guard

Now, the 76ers shift to Miami for one of the biggest remaining games in the regular season Thursday night. Embiid, who was visibly exhausted at times during Tuesday's win, said the goal is to play in that game, too. As the rest of the Eastern Conference's contenders watch Embiid and the Sixers over their final six games of the regular season, here's how the reigning MVP's return could shake up the playoff race.For Philadelphia, the next two weeks are about two things: getting Embiid up-to-speed and doing everything possible to avoid the play-in tournament. While Embiid's return was an obvious boost, it showed how much his team has changed since he went out in late January.

After Miami, the 76ers finish the season with four of their final five games against teams with bottom-eight records. Although thehave a better record, Philadelphia would likely be favored in the remaining game by virtue of playing at home with a healthy Embiid.Get access to exclusive original series, premium articles from our NBA insiders, the full 30 for 30 library and more.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report: Joel Embiid Return Timeline UpdatedCould the Sixers superstar return to the court before the regular season ends?
Source: Newsweek - 🏆 468. / 52 Read more »

Joel Embiid 'Not Anywhere Close' To Returning From Meniscus InjuryJoel Embiid 'Not Anywhere Close' To Returning From Meniscus Injury - RealGM Wiretap
Source: RealGM - 🏆 580. / 51 Read more »

Joel Embiid returns, says knee injury took 'mental toll'Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid said the mental recovery process from a meniscus injury that sidelined him for two months was as difficult as any he's gone through in his NBA career.
Source: espn - 🏆 731. / 51 Read more »

Joel Embiid returns from knee surgery, helps lift 76ers over Thunder 109-105Embiid was injured on Jan. 30 at Golden State. He had meniscus surgery on his left knee a week later, and the Sixers crashed in the East standings without him
Source: 6abc - 🏆 250. / 63 Read more »

Joel Embiid upgraded to questionable vs. Thunder, after missing two months following knee surgeryEmbiid was again putting up MVP-caliber — and historic — numbers before his meniscus injury, averaging a career-high 35.3 points per game to go along with 11.3 rebounds, and a career-best 5.7 assists.
Source: PhillyDailyNews - 🏆 89. / 67 Read more »

Joel Embiid Returns to 76ers Lineup After Two-Month AbsenceJoel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, made his first start in nearly two months for the Philadelphia 76ers. The team has struggled without him, but fans were excited for his return.
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »