The 76ers are still at risk of being in the Play-In Tournament, but Joel Embiid returning to full strength would take some of the sting out of having to win an extra game to make the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
The seven-time All-Star has been sidelined since the end of January with a meniscus injury that required surgery. It was initially unclear if Embiid would be cleared to return before the end of the regular season, but it looks like he'll get a chance to shake some rust off before the race to the Larry O'Brien trophy begins.
Ahead of Tuesday's game against the Thunder, the 76ers got some good news about Embiid's knee. Does that mean he's been cleared to play?
Here's what you need to know about Embiid's status.
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Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
The 76ers have listed Embiid as out for Tuesday's game, but his return is said to be "imminent."
It was reported Monday morning that Embiid could make his highly anticipated return against the Thunder. He was officially ruled out a few hours later.
While he won't face Oklahoma City on Tuesday, the expectation is that Embiid will be back this week.
"He's been ramping up his conditioning in recent days," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. "The belief is that meniscus, that knee is sound and he is ready to return and impact this Sixers run in the Eastern Conference playoffs."
Including Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder, the 76ers have seven games remaining this season. They have the second easiest remaining schedule based on Tankathon's strength of schedule, which is based on the combined winning percentage of a team's remaining opponents.
Embiid was playing the best basketball of his career before the injury, averaging career-highs of 35.3 points and 5.7 assists to go along with 11.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals.
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What channel is 76ers vs. Thunder on?
- Date: Tuesday, April 2
- TV channel: TNT
- Live streaming: Sling
Tuesday's game between the 76ers and Thunder will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
76ers vs. Thunder start time
- Date: Tuesday, April 2
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
76ers vs. Thunder is scheduled to tip off around 7:30 p.m. ET from Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.
76ers schedule 2023-24
Here are the next five games on Philadelphia's schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 2 | vs. Thunder | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 4 | at Heat | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| April 6 | at Grizzlies | 8 p.m. | — |
| April 7 | at Spurs | 7 p.m. | — |
| April 9 | vs. Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |