The 76ers are still at risk of being in the Play-In tournament, but the return of Joel Embiid to full strength would alleviate some of the pain of having to win an extra game to reach the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
The seven-time All-Star has been sidelined since late January with a meniscus injury that required surgery. It was initially unclear if Embiid would be cleared to return before the end of the regular season, but it appears he will have a chance to shake off some rust before he begins the race toward the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Before Tuesday’s game against the Thunder, the 76ers received good news about Embiid’s knee. Does that mean he’s been cleared to play?
Here’s what you need to know about Embiid’s status.
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Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
The 76ers have list Embiid is out for Tuesday’s game, but his return is said to be “imminent.”
Was reported On Monday morning Embiid could make his long-awaited return against the Thunder. A few hours later it was officially ruled out.
While he won’t face Oklahoma City on Tuesday, the expectation is that Embiid will return this week.
“He’s been improving his conditioning the last few days.” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported. “The belief is that that meniscus, that knee is healthy and is ready to come back and impact the Sixers’ run in the Eastern Conference playoffs.”
Including Tuesday’s matchup against the Thunder, the 76ers have seven games left this season. They have the second easiest remaining schedule based on The strength of the Tankathon calendarwhich is based on the combined winning percentage of a team’s remaining opponents.
Embiid was playing the best basketball of his career before the injury, averaging career highs of 35.3 points and 5.7 assists, along with 11.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals.
What channel is 76ers vs. Thunder?
- Date: Tuesday April 2
- Television channel: TNT
- Live broadcast: Sling
Tuesday’s game between the 76ers and Thunder will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home of sports fans and offers a variety of sports channels so you can always cheer on your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
76ers vs. Thunder start time
- Date: Tuesday April 2
- Time: 7:30 pm ET | 4:30 pm Pacific Time
76ers vs. Thunder is scheduled to kick off around 7:30 p.m. ET from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
76ers 2023-24 schedule
Here are the next five games on Philadelphia’s schedule:
| Date | Adversary | Time (ET) | television channel |
| April 2 | against thunder | 7:30 pm | TNT |
| April 4 | in heat | 7:30 pm | — |
| 6 of April | in the grizzlies | 8 p.m. | — |
| April 7 | in the spurs | 7 p.m. | — |
| April 9th | against pistons | 7 p.m. | — |