Looking slimmer and quicker, Joel Embiid starred in his return, scoring 14 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in 19 minutes of playing time. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves to conclude their preseason. A return to remember for Joel Embiid tonight 🔔 14 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 18 MIN pic.twitter.com/AgnSIryKGn

"The Process" made his anticipated return to action on Friday, and the 76ers have a two-game slate for Week 1.

NBA season set to tip off, the Philadelphia 76ers offered a positive new update on All-Star center Joel Embiid.

The Philadelphia 76ers give important injury updates on star duo Joel Embiid and Paul George at practice on Sunday.

By the time the schedule reached January, Embiid’s season was wrapping up early. After a January 4 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid was ruled out for the rest of the season. Eventually, he underwent surgery for the second time within a year.

Dwight Howard thinks a healthy Joel Embiid is the only center who can take on prime Shaq “I felt like if he had stayed healthy, he would probably be the only player at that time who I could see giving Shaq problems, if he was playing Shaq one-on-one.” (h/t @HoopAnalysisNet ) pic.twitter.com/gKNdtOOsAu

The 76ers are aiming to rebound from an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign in which they finished with their worst record since 2015-16. With rookie V.J. Edgecombe in the mix, alongside Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Jared McCain, Philadelphia is trending upward.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/76ers as Joel Embiid Dominates Post-Practice Battles vs Sixers Teammates. Joel Embiid has yet to play in any preseason action for the Philadelphia 76ers, but he continues to give positive samples to the press and the fans.