Joel Embiid Starts Recovery But It's Still Unclear When He'll Play Again

Joel Embiid suffered an orbital bone fracture last week, when the Cameroonian NBA star collided with teammate Markelle Fultz during a game against the New York Knicks on March 28. While the Sixers are well on their way to the Eastern Conference playoffs, Embiid’s injury could potentially result in him not playing as early as he’d like.

According to ESPN, the team’s first playoff game is scheduled for either April 14 or 15, and while Embiid is reportedly starting his recovery this weekend with some light cardio, his concussion and orbital fracture has resulted in an unclear timetable for him to return to regular basketball duties. For those of you who missed it, here’s the collision in question.

“Embiid underwent a post-operative examination by Dr. Jurij R. Bilyk and Dr. Howard Krein following successful surgery last Saturday to address the fractured orbital bone in his left eye,” the 76er’s official statement claims. “The surgeons were pleased with how the affected area is presenting to date and will determine when it is safe and medically advisable for Embiid to return to play.”

According to Bleacher Report, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that Embiid could return to ballin’ uncontrollably as early as in two to four weeks. While that’s cutting it pretty close, we hope he prioritizes his health before committing to a game his body isn’t prepared for. Recover well, Embiid.

In other 76ers-news, Philadelphia was able to defeat the Cavs 132-130 on Friday night in a truly stunning and exciting game.