Nick Nurse says 'there's some chance' Joel Embiid plays in Sixers' preseason finale

The news article explores the possibility of Joel Embiid playing in the Philadelphia 76ers' final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, given his history of limited preseason appearances, with only one game in the last three years.

During a practice session in Camden, N.J., Embiid participated in intense one-on-one drills, where he dominated teammates such as Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr., showcasing his strength and skill, though he was occasionally stopped by VJ Edgecombe, highlighting the competitive nature of the sessions.

Kelly Oubre commented that these drills foster camaraderie and help players sharpen their skills, referring to Embiid's presence as a "cheat code" due to his overwhelming performance in the practice.

Head coach Nick Nurse noted that Embiid responded well to recent live action and indicated there is some chance he could play in the upcoming preseason game, but the decision is not yet final, as the team needs to meet certain thresholds before committing to his participation.

Historically, Embiid has been used sparingly in preseason games, with his last appearance in 2023 and only three games in the past five years, reflecting the team's cautious approach to avoid unnecessary risks, especially after a difficult previous season and Embiid's own emphasis on patience in his recovery process.