Joel Embiid makes first appearance in 8 months for 76ers ahead of opening night

Embiid's return marked a significant step as the team prepares for the 2025-26 regular season.

He had been sidelined since February 22nd against the Brooklyn Nets, subsequently undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome left knee.

After several weeks of practice, the center put in an encouraging performance, logging 18:35 of game time and finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals on 5-for-10 shooting.

The superstar expressed relief and optimism about his current status.

"I don't want to really think about the past," Embiid said. "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."

Embiid played in only 19 games last season. While he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in that limited action, he never looked like the player who was going back and forth with Nikola Jokic for MVP awards during the prior three seasons.

He looked much more like himself Friday night and remains on track -- barring any setbacks from playing against Minnesota -- to participate in next week's season opener in Boston.