The 76ers finally answer the most important Joel Embiid question

To say that the Philadelphia 76ers have gotten off to a strange start is an understatement. Through the first couple of weeks of NBA regular season action, the franchise had mystified everyone with their rather vague actuations when it comes to superstar big man Joel Embiid.

The 76ers have repeatedly assured everyone of Embiid’s positive status, but his suspiciously long absence — one traceable to the preseason — has been a major talking point in the league. Heck, even the association itself has turned hasty and authoritative toward the matter, culminating in the team getting levied with a hefty fine in relation to his continued no-show.

Embiid has not yet sniffed the hardwood this season, and the team’s cloudy updates have not helped at all. Even Nick Nurse has gotten seemingly tired of all the questions on the face of the franchise. But at last, the club has finally, for the first time, offered a more decipherable news.

The 76ers finally offer a concrete response on Joel Embiid’s season debut

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Embiid is progressing toward making his season debut as the 76ers have now given a more definitive timeline for when he could finally take the floor for the first time this season.

Embiid, who has already gone through 5-on-5 scrimmages is currently listed as a game-time decision as the team determines his playing status starting tonight against the Grizzlies.

If ever he makes his debut tonight, Embiid will be in for a treat. Memphis parades one of the most physically imposing frontcourts in the NBA. While not a litmus test by all means, this should be a very good step for him to reacclimate himself after basically not playing since the Paris Olympics.

With a timeline now set, 76ers fans will not have to fret anymore as they tread the waves of guessworks the team has propounded since last month. At last, with Paul George also a possible show-up tonight, Philly’s vaunted big three could finally make its much-anticipated appearance.

Still, the team should be more than certain about Embiid’s availability and health if they truly trot him out against the Grizzlies. It would make zero sense to sit hit out for so long under injury management only to cave in to external pressure and have him play. That would be counterintuitive to the highest degree.

No matter what happens, though, everyone now has a clearer sense on when the 2023 MVP could make his much-awaited resumption.