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Joel Embiid's Knee 'Responded Well' After Injury Scare vs. Magic, 76ers HC Nurse Says

Andrew PetersApril 13, 2024

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on April 12, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Joel Embiid had an injury scare after exiting the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Orlando Magic in the first half. The reigning MVP tweaked his knee and headed immediately for the locker room. The apparent injury was to the same knee he recently had surgery on.

On Saturday, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Embiid "responded well" and was able to go through a full practice with the team, per PHLY Sports' Kyle Neubeck. While Embiid participated in practice, Neubeck noted that it was just a walkthrough day.

Embiid missed 29 games after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Since his return on April 2, Embiid has averaged 30.4 points per game while playing 30.6 minutes.

Philadelphia struggled without Embiid on the court, plummeting to as low as the eighth spot in the East. Since Embiid's return, the 76ers have won all five of their games and have jumped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia will close out the season with what should be a manageable game against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. If the 76ers win that game, it will help them secure the No. 6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament, though they would still need a few other things out of their control to go their way.

Having Embiid on the court for the season finale to ensure a win will be crucial, so Nurse's assessment of the injury is a positive sign.