Sixers star Joel Embiid set to make season debut against Knicks

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PHILADELPHIA — 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, worked on his post game and made soft jumpers during a Tuesday morning workout in preparation of his season debut, expected hours later against the New York Knicks (7:30 ET, TNT).

Embiid is done with his suspension. He’s off the injury report. He’s finally ready to play for a Sixers team that desperately needs the 2023 NBA MVP — they are 2-7 and near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

“It’s the right step in the right direction we’re trying to get to,” Sixers forward Caleb Martin said after shootaround. “Obviously, excited to have someone like him back to our team.”

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.

The trio instead have yet to play a game together.