In order to get back on track, the Sixers will need all hands on deck when considering the fact they'll be heavily short-handed. Not only is Tyrese Maxey set to miss his fifth straight game due to a right hamstring strain, the Sixers will be down both Joel ...

In other words, a slow ramp-up was always expected for the superstar. Especially in light of comments he made around training camp, when Embiid bluntly told reporters he did not expect to play two back-to-back games for the rest of his career. However, it seems the seven-footer may have been hasty with that declaration.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid reacts to his return to the floor as well as his back-to-back status against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Embiid should be paired for the first time with nine-time All-Star Paul George, who missed the first five games with a bone bruise. Embiid, George and fellow All-Star Tyrese Maxey were the 76ers’ version of a Big Three that was expected to make them one of the big favorites out of the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid returned to a rousing ovation from 76ers fans in his first game of the season, a start marred by injuries and suspension to the All-Star center that kept Philadelphia anchored at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid is far from concerned. The 76ers suffered a 111-99 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center in what was his season debut. The loss dropped them to a second-worst record of 2-8 in the Eastern Conference in a season with lofty expectations.

Joel Embiid stuck around for extra work after shootaround. The 7-footer who has yet to officially step on the court for the Philadelphia 76ers this season was in no rush to finish his drills. Embiid shot free throws,

Embiid played 26 minutes in the losing effort, scoring 13 points and adding five assists and three rebounds. He made only two of his 11 shot attempts, hitting an open 3-pointer of