The Philadelphia Sixers have been one of the teams most affected by casualties at the start of the season. The already known absence of Ben Simmons has been joined by Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris, Danny Green – who returned yesterday – and Joel Embiid. In spite of everything, Doc Rivers’ men have managed to compete in a good part of these games without their two stars, although the locker shows a 2-7 in the absence of the Cameroonian pivot. Embiid tested positive for COVID-19 on November 8 and his health has suffered complications, but the team waiting have him back for Saturday’s game against the Timberwolves.
His case already far exceeds the periods of sanitary protocol, but the isolation has had to be extended due to the difficulties mentioned. Before returning fully, Embiid must successfully pass the appropriate stress tests and be able to train with the group. The Sixers also do not rule out that his return will be delayed until Monday at the latest. The team was 8-2 when the pivot dropped and now they have a 10-9 that places them in the eighth of the Eastern Conference.
With his return, the team is close to recovering its entire squad, as Tobias Harris, injured in his hip, is also rushing to be discharged.
(Cover photo by Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)