2023 MVP Joel Embiid will return to Philadelphia’s starting lineup Sunday afternoon against Chicago Sixers announced (via Twitter).

Embiid, who has missed the last seven games, was questionable about starting Sunday’s contest because of treatment for a left knee injury. Before the game head coach Nick Nurse said the star center would be on a minutes restriction if he were able to suit up (Twitter link via KC Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network).

The 30-year-old big man was limited to just four games this season. Embiid underwent knee surgery last winter before returning at the end of the 2023-24 season. He managed to compete with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but experienced swelling and discomfort early in the 24/25 season. He was also suspended for three games after an altercation with a columnist and missed playing time for personal reasons.

As Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes, Embiid will almost certainly be ineligible for major postseason honors for the second straight year. He has already missed 17 games in 24/25 and if he misses one more he will be disqualified due to the 65 game rule.

The 76ers have won three of their last four games but are still just 6-15 and are the No. 13 seed in the East.