Joel Embiid’s recovery from offseason knee surgery remains on track as the regular season draws near. The Sixers’ star center underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the spring and has gradually ramped up his workload over the past few weeks.

According to Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports, Embiid has begun participating in larger portions of practice, including some five-on-five scrimmage action, a positive sign as he pushes toward game readiness.

Still, the organization isn’t rushing him back. Bodner notes that Embiid must clear several more benchmarks in his rehabilitation before he’s officially cleared to return to game action, with the medical staff continuing to evaluate him on a daily basis.

The Sixers want to ensure that when Embiid steps back onto the floor, he’ll be fully prepared to handle the grind of an NBA season.

The former MVP endured one of the most frustrating campaigns of his career last year, appearing in only 19 games due to recurring knee issues.

Even when he suited up, he wasn’t at his dominant best, averaging 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game – well below his pre-2024/25 career averages of 27.9 points and 11.2 boards.

A healthy Embiid remains the key to Philadelphia’s hopes of competing in the Eastern Conference.

Sixers Notes: Embiid, George, Watford, Starters, Grimes https://t.co/zLqf2h7Dna pic.twitter.com/sY4BSmgHKC