76ers' Joel Embiid: Eyeing return for first game after break

Embiid (knee) said he hopes to return for the first game after the All-Star break, when the 76ers play host to the Wizards, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Analysis:

The Process has missed the past 11 games, but sounded optimistic when talking about his progress during the Rising Stars Game as part of Friday's NBA All-Star festivities. Embiid said he'd "probably" return after the break, adding, "if the practices before that go well, and I don't get any knee swelling or soreness, definitely." The 22-year-old Center from Kansas is no stranger to adversity as he missed his first two seasons with foot ailments and also dealt with the death of his brother. However, he's averaged 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, while converting just over 78 percent of shots from the charity stripe this season. With the trade deadline approaching, Philadelphia has made no secret about its desire to shop a different center in Jahlil Okafor -- if that comes to fruition, it could potentially clear the logjam in the frontcourt, where Nerlens Noel is also in the picture.