After nearly eight months, Joel Embiid made his anticipated return to the basketball court for the Philadelphia 76ers in a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite it being a tune-up match, Embiid's performance left both him and the team feeling optimistic about his readiness for the upcoming 2025-26 regular season. Teammate Tyrese Maxey, who contributed 27 points to the 126-110 victory, expressed his joy at seeing Embiid back in action, noting the superstar's excitement to play again.

Embiid's last appearance for the 76ers was on February 22 against the Brooklyn Nets, followed by arthroscopic surgery on his left knee a few weeks later. His return to the court on Friday night, after several weeks of practice and an intrasquad scrimmage, was marked by an encouraging stat line: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers in 18:35 of play. He shot 5-for-10 from the field, including 2-for-4 from three-point range, and made both of his free throws.

Reflecting on his return, Embiid stated, "I don't want to really think about the past. I'm just in a good space mentally, physically. ... I'm just happy to touch the basketball and be able to play basketball and do what I love." He appeared visibly leaner and moved without the bulky brace that had caused him frustration last season, indicating he has passed a significant test in his recovery journey. Head coach Nick Nurse also offered a positive assessment, noting Embiid "moved good, played good, shot it good, passed it good" and saw "too many negatives out there."

Embiid played only 19 games last season, and while he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, he hadn't displayed his MVP-caliber form. His performance on Friday suggested a return to that level, putting him on track for the season opener in Boston, barring any setbacks. Despite his progress, Embiid humorously acknowledged, "I won't say I feel like I was 18 years old again. That's never going to happen. But I'm just taking it day by day."

Beyond Embiid's return, the 76ers had other reasons for excitement. VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in June's NBA draft, impressed with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals in 34 minutes, solidifying his expected spot in the starting five. Quentin Grimes, making his preseason debut after signing his qualifying offer, added 22 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals off the bench. However, Paul George, still recovering from knee surgery in July, did not play and remains uncertain for opening night despite ramping up his activity.