Joel Embiid Rumors: 'Optimism' 76ers Star Can Return 'but Unclear When' | News, Scores, Highlights,

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly hopeful that superstar center Joel Embiid will be able to return from a knee injury at some point this season.

Speaking on Wednesday's edition of Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, ESPN's Tim Bontemps said that while it is "unclear when" Embiid will be able to return, there is "optimism" within the Sixers organization that he will be back at some point.

Despite the lack of a timeline, Bontemps added that Embiid is making some progress in his workouts.

Embiid has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in Jan. 30's loss to the Golden State Warriors. He underwent a procedure in February to address the meniscus injury and was slated to be evaluated in four weeks.

The reigning NBA MVP was considered the favorite to repeat when he went down. He averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 points over his first 34 games, highlighted by a 22-game streak of scoring at least 30 points.

The Sixers have a 10-21 record with Embiid out of the lineup this season, and they have lost four of their past five games to dip to 36-29 on the year, which puts them seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia has essentially gone from a clearcut championship contender with Embiid in the lineup to a team that may have to go through the postseason play-in tournament without him.

Paul Reed has replaced Embiid in the starting lineup, and he is averaging 7.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.

The Sixers have no shot of being a serious contender and are in danger of falling out of the playoff race with Embiid on the mend. Tyrese Maxey has been an All-Star this season but isn't capable of single-handedly carrying the mantle with Embiid on the sidelines.

ncG1vNJzZmianJqupLTEq6meqJ%2BnwW%2BvzqZmmqqknrCtsdJoaGlpYG1%2FdoKMo6aepF2auqO1yJ1kq62dpL%2B0ec6pq6Klmai6boOVnqmsZaOprrN5wpqlZqqVqcKzuoybrK1lpaOwrbHAq2SwoJWj