Joel Embiid returned to the 76ers on Sunday against Atlanta after missing nine games with right knee soreness. He returned as a starter and played 30 minutes, finishing with 18 points and 4 rebounds.
The 76ers took the game to double-overtime, but lost 142-134 after Jalen Johnson scored a career-high 41 points. Embiid shot 6-of-14, adding a steal and a block.
Before the game, the team upgraded Embiid's status to "questionable," and cleared him to play after a pregame workout. It was also the first time this season that Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey were in the starting lineup together.
Embiid last played on Nov. 8 against Toronto. He was not allowed to play back-to-back games while recovering from surgery on his left knee in April. The 76ers said soreness in his right knee was the reason he has not played so far.
His return is a big help as the 76ers face a tough schedule that includes Washington, Golden State, Milwaukee, and Lakers. Even though Embiid is often injured, the 76ers have regained their confidence and given him a 3-year, $193M extension starting next season.
