The captain of the Philadelphia 76ers believes that Joel Embiid can return to the team before the Playoffs begin.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse expressed optimism that reigning MVP Joel Embiid will return to the court before the end of the regular season.

“I think it’s very likely he will return before the play-in or playoffs,” Coach Nurse shared before the Sixers’ match with the LA Clippers.

Embiid has not played since Jan. 30, when Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga accidentally fell on his leg in San Francisco.

Since then, the 76ers have won 10 of 26 games, the 10th best record in the East during that span, and dropped to the play-in group in the standings.

Embiid missed 26 games in the past 7 weeks

Things will obviously change quickly if Embiid, who led the league with 35.3 points per game before his injury, can return for the next 10 games.

While Coach Nurse could not give a specific time for Embiid’s return, he also confirmed that the reigning MVP is having training sessions 7 weeks after suffering a meniscus injury.

The Sixers fell out of the top 6 when they lost Embiid

“I haven’t met him yet,” the 2019 NBA championship coach expressed. “I’ve talked to him, FaceTime a few times. As you know, Embiid has been on the field practicing, but we do not yet have a timeline for his return.”

“I can imagine him getting stronger every day. The whole team hopes Embiid can regain his strength, confidence and fitness to help the Sixers win.”

This season, Philadelphia won 26 of the 34 matches Joel Embiid appeared in. In the opposite case, they lost 25 out of 38 matches.