Anne De Paula, the wife of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, shared an update on social media suggesting that the former MVP may be nearing a return to action.
Embiid has not suited up for the 76ers since the start of April after having to undergo an emergency appendectomy, which he suffered in Houston. On Thursday, De Paula shared an update on Instagram, posting a picture of Embiid and her son with the caption:
“Went to the gym with dad today, my big boy.”
De Paula’s Instagram story showed Embiid at the facility, and the team confirmed he participated in Thursday’s practice. After the session, Philadelphia also upgraded Embiid’s status on their injury report, listing him as doubtful.
Embiid has been with his wife, Anne De Paula, since 2018, after the two were introduced by a mutual friend. They started dating shortly after and tied the knot on July 22, 2023, in a ceremony held in New York. Embiid and De Paula welcomed their first child, Arthur Elijah, in September 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers coach remains “hopeful” of Joel Embiid’s return ahead of Game 3
Speaking to the media after practice, coach Nick Nurse addressed Embiid’s recovery status.
“We’re, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he’s really hopeful,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse told reporters after Thursday’s practice. “He wants to play, and we want him to play. … I don’t know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there’s some progress being made.”
Embiid has missed his team’s first two playoff games, but Philadelphia has remained competitive, tying the series at 1-1 ahead of a two-game homestand at the Wells Fargo Center.
Tyrese Maxey has led the charge on offense in Embiid’s absence, averaging 25.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game. Rookie VJ Edgecombe has also been a key contributor, recording 21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 2.5 apg.
Edgecombe was key in the team’s Game 2 win, finishing with 30 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, shooting 12-for-20, including 6-for-10 from 3-point range.
The 76ers prepare to host the Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on Friday as Embiid’s participation remains in doubt.
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