It’s officially the last stop before real basketball. Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena in their preseason finale, and all eyes are on one man: Joel Embiid.
The former NBA MVP hasn’t played in every preseason game, and fans have been anxiously wondering if he’ll take the court before the real thing tips off next week. The good news? According to reports, Joel Embiid has been cleared to play in the preseason finale. Yes, Sixers fans, your franchise player is ready to roll. However, fans just want one thing from the big man on X. “I want him to stay healthy,” wrote one.
According to Libertyballers, this update comes after Embiid took a planned day off from practice on Thursday. Head coach Nick Nurse made it clear that it wasn’t injury-related, just part of the load management schedule. When asked on Thursday if Embiid would play Friday, Nurse kept things open-ended. “I think we’ll know tomorrow,” he said. “I mean, I think there’s still that same chance that he will, but we’ll know tomorrow.” Well… tomorrow is here, and it looks like Embiid is suiting up. Huge sigh of relief. The team wants him ramped up for opening night, and nothing simulates game shape like actual game action.
Joel Embiid Is Back in Action for NBA Preseason Basketball
Unfortunately, the vibes aren’t as optimistic for the Sixers’ biggest offseason addition. Paul George is close, but not quite there yet. He finally participated in live 5-on-5 action on Thursday after going 3-on-3 the day before. That’s major progress, but Nurse stopped short of saying George would play Friday, or even on opening night. “Yesterday was his first day live and … today was a short amount of 5-on-5, so we just have to keep waiting,” Nurse explained.
Then came a bomb from the source, who reported that people in George’s camp don’t expect him to play in the regular season opener against the Celtics on Oct. 22. Classic Shams. Nurse didn’t confirm or deny, but let’s be honest, if the guy hasn’t played a preseason game yet, the writing might already be on the wall. Interestingly, Shams also reported the team is “hopeful” Embiid will be ready for both the preseason finale and opening night.
Not everything is sunshine and 7-footers. Here’s the quick rundown: Jared McCain (UCL surgery): Still out. Trendon Watford (hamstring): Not ready yet. Quentin Grimes & VJ Edgecombe: Expected to be available. Everyone else? Good to go. That means Nick Nurse gets one last chance to throw his main rotation on the floor and see how this new-look Sixers lineup actually fits together. “We need to get … the main guys playing as long and as much together as we can [Friday],” Nurse said. “That would be goal No. 1.”
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Is Ready To Rock
He later added that he still doesn’t know exactly how long guys will play until the pregame presser. Translation: don’t be shocked if Embiid plays one half and calls it a night. Normally, the final preseason game is a glorified scrimmage. But this year? It actually feels important. New head coach, new star in Paul George (when healthy), new pieces everywhere, and a fanbase desperate to see something different.
Even if George sits, Embiid playing is massive. It’s the first real look at how Nurse plans to run this offense. Will Embiid be facilitating more? Will the pace be faster? Will the ball actually move? Friday night could give us answers. Ready or not, the preseason is over. The 2025-26 Sixers are stepping onto the floor one last time before the games actually count.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Xfinity Mobile Arena. Time: 7 p.m. ET, and the storyline: The return of Joel Embiid… and maybe a glimpse of what’s to come. Clear the night. Get the snacks ready. Real basketball is almost back.
