After waiting for 237 days! Embiid returned and scored 14+7+8: Philadelphia MVP showed his sword, and the 20-year-old No. 3 overall pick stole the show.

After 237 days, Embiid returned to the NBA. On October 18, Embiid returned in the preseason and led the 76ers to a 126-110 victory over the Timberwolves. He played 19 minutes and made 5 of 10 shots, 2 of 4 three-pointers, and 2 of 2 free throws. He easily scored 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, with a plus-minus of +12. Embiid, who has returned to health, has shown his MVP style again.

Embid has been plagued by injuries in the past two seasons, playing only 39 games in the 2023-24 season and 19 games in the 2024-25 season. Embiid reached the peak of his career in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 33.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, retained the scoring title, and was crowned regular season MVP.

In the 2023-24 season, Embiid originally had a great start, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game, which was even better than the season when he won the MVP. However, due to injuries, he suddenly fell from the peak to the bottom, and has been plagued by injuries ever since. Embiid returned in mid-November last season, but his body was never at its best, and he was injured again in late February, which ended the season.

On October 18, Embiid returned to the NBA court after 8 months.

Coach Nick Nurse limited Embiid's return debut to 20 minutes. The team still needs to be cautious about Embiid's comeback to avoid Embiid getting injured again. Embiid played with ease against the Timberwolves who were working on the bench. He fully demonstrated his various skills in the game, scored two three-pointers, and his offense at the basket was also very intimidating. He also sent out a game-high 8 assists.

In this game, point guard Maxi scored 27 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Maxey entered the All-Star Game in the 2023-24 season. He was also troubled by injuries last season and missed more games. But now he is back to health.

Although Paul George is still recovering from injury, with two All-Star players Embiid and Maxi sitting on the team, I believe the 76ers will not have a bad start to the new season.

What's more, in this battle, the 20-year-old No. 3 pick Edgcomb brought a surprise. He contributed 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals, showing his offensive and defensive side. Edgecomb did not play in summer league due to injury. He played two preseason games on October 3 and October 4, scoring 14 points and 10 points respectively, which was not an outstanding performance. In this battle, Edgecomb finally showed his talent. He made 10 of 18 shots on the offensive end, 2 of 6 three-pointers, 4 of 4 free throws, and contributed 5 steals on the defensive end.

Originally, the 76ers hoped to select Ace Bailey with the third overall pick, but the latter refused to try out for the 76ers, making it clear that he did not want to go to Philadelphia. The 76ers finally selected Edgecombe with the third overall pick.

Edgecomb has become a key training target for the 76ers and will occupy a starting position in the new season. And because George is recuperating from an injury at the beginning of the season, Edgecombe will get enough ball rights during this period, which will help him grow up faster.

How does Embiid feel about returning to the game? He said after the game: "I am in good mental and physical condition. I am very happy to be exposed to basketball and to be able to do the things I like. When you can't do these things, it will feel very difficult. This is the thing that makes me happy the most."

Embiid also mentioned that he noticed that in many people's predictions, he is no longer the top 100 player in the world. Obviously, he was dissatisfied with the outside predictions. He also held a breath in his heart and hoped to prove himself again in the new season.

Teammate Maxi said: "The biggest thing I feel is his happiness, the joy when he can play, and I am also happy that he can play."

Head coach Nurse talked about Embiid's performance after the game. He said he was very satisfied with it. The game also went according to plan. The focus now is his physical reaction (after the game), but this game is a positive signal. Embiid is back and has another great performance on the court. However, for the 76ers, the key to the team's success lies in how long Embiid's health can be maintained. Embiid has suffered from constant injuries throughout his career. The 76ers need to be more cautious when using Embiid in the new season. Embiid may not play back-to-back games in the first half of the season and will enjoy rest treatment in the intensive schedule.