The Philadelphia 76ers wasted no time getting back to business after the All-Star break, hitting the practice court on Tuesday night with their eyes set on the crucial stretch ahead. With just 28 games left in the season, the Sixers find themselves in a tough spot, sitting at 20-34 and outside the play-in tournament picture in the Eastern Conference. If they want a shot at making a late-season push, every game from here on out will be a battle.
One of the biggest storylines coming out of practice was, of course, the status of Joel Embiid. The Sixers’ superstar big man has had a rough go this season, appearing in only 17 games due to injuries. Fans were left holding their breath when he missed the team’s final game before the break against the Brooklyn Nets, but there was finally some good news—Embiid was a full participant in practice! That’s a huge sigh of relief for Philly fans who know just how important he is to the team’s success.
Head coach Nick Nurse seemed pleased with what he saw from Embiid during practice.
“Good today,” Nurse said when asked about Embiid’s performance. “Everybody looked like they had some days off and felt fresh. I don’t think we noticed anything concerning. He was a full participant. We went at it pretty hard and pretty long, so we’ll have to see how he responds in the morning, but he looked good today. Moved well and practiced hard.”
Having Embiid back in action is a massive boost for a team that’s been plagued with injuries throughout the 2024-25 season. But he wasn’t the only key player making a return—Tyrese Maxey, who also missed the Brooklyn game, was back in full practice mode. That’s another big plus for the Sixers, as Maxey has been one of their most dynamic playmakers this season.
Unfortunately, not everyone was ready to go. Eric Gordon (right wrist) and Kyle Lowry (right hip) both sat out, and rookie Jared McCain remains out for the season. The Sixers are no strangers to injury setbacks, but that’s just been the theme of their season so far. Every team deals with adversity, but Philly has had more than its fair share.
Another concern popped up during practice as rookie Justin Edwards sprained his left ankle. It’s unclear how serious the injury is, but it’s something the team will need to monitor closely as they prepare for their next game. Edwards has been showing flashes of potential, so losing him for any amount of time would be another tough break.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier. After a day of rest on Wednesday, the Sixers will jump right into action with a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Facing the defending champs is never an easy task, and with playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Sixers need to come out swinging.
What’s at Stake for the Sixers?
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Climbing Back into the Playoff Race: Sitting well outside the play-in picture, every game is do-or-die at this point.
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Staying Healthy: Injuries have derailed the season so far. Can the team finally stay on the court and build some consistency?
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Chemistry & Momentum: With key players returning, now is the time to find a rhythm and make a push for the postseason.
With Embiid back, Maxey ready to roll, and a high-energy practice in the books, the Sixers have the tools to turn things around. The question is—can they capitalize on it? Thursday’s game against the Celtics will be a major test, and the outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season.
One thing is for sure: the fight isn’t over yet. The Sixers still have time to prove they belong in the playoff conversation, but they’ll need to bring their A-game every night from here on out. Buckle up, Sixers fans—it’s going to be an intense ride to the finish line!
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