76ers Vs Pacers: Joel Embiid Returns in 135-114 Win, Nick Nurse Evaluates Minute Plan

In the 76ers Vs Pacers contest on Tuesday night, the Philadelphia 76ers welcomed Joel Embiid back to the floor as they finished their 3-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers. After missing five games with right knee and right shin issues, Embiid produced 27 points, six rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes during an easy 135-114 win.

76ers Vs Pacers — Embiid’s return stat line and shooting

Embiid shot 11-for-17 from the floor, 1-for-4 from deep and 4-for-5 from the foul line in his comeback. The Pacers had trouble with him all night long. No disrespect to Jay Huff and Micah Potter, but they are just no match for the big fella who made it look rather easy in his opportunities.

Nick Nurse on Embiid’s minutes, rhythm and conditioning

Coach Nick Nurse evaluated the outing as a useful chance to get Embiid back into game action. Nurse said it was a good opportunity for him to get minutes under his belt and that it was good to see the rhythm and touch offensively. He also noted there was probably a little bit of conditioning and small things lost in the layoff, so getting a good amount of minutes was valuable, and it was simply good to see Embiid back out there.

Placement in the schedule: end of road trip and gap since Feb. 7

The return came as the Sixers finished their 3-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers. Embiid had not played since Feb. 7 against the Phoenix Suns on the team’s West Coast road trip, making this performance notable after the extended absence.

Why 26 minutes matters with 23 games to go

Getting Embiid on the court for 26 minutes is a significant development for Philadelphia. With now just 23 games to go, the team needs to ensure Embiid is on the same page with everyone on the roster. Nurse and his staff will have to make sure the offensive system is moving in the right direction for this group while managing minutes and conditioning for Embiid down the stretch.

Immediate outlook: home return and a big matchup ahead

Following the road victory, Embiid and the Sixers will return home to play host to the Miami Heat in a hugely important matchup. How Embiid’s minutes and on-court rhythm are managed between now and that game will be a key storyline.

This account originally appeared in recent coverage under the same headline.