The Philadelphia 76ers are hopeful that star center Joel Embiid could make his 2024-25 NBA season debut on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

“He recently began practicing in five-on-five action, worked out extensively before the game against the Suns and is expected to take part in individual workouts Tuesday in Los Angeles that will set the stage for what comes next,” Amick reported. “Barring a setback, it seems likely there is an end in sight here very soon.”

Amick noted it’s possible Embiid could be under suspension by the time Wednesday’s game tips off. The league is looking into the confrontation between the seven-time All-Star and a local columnist that recently unfolded in the Sixers’ locker room.

Embiid hasn’t suited up due to lingering left knee trouble, which dates back to the meniscus injury that required surgery in February. While he returned to the court toward the end of last year and competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the knee became troublesome again as the new season approached.

The NBA looked into the situation and determined the Sixers aren’t violating the player participation policy by keeping the 30-year-old out of the lineup since his knee injury is a genuine and ongoing concern.

Embiid can’t play soon enough for Philly, which is off to a 1-5 start thanks in large part to his and Paul George’s absences. George made his Sixers debut Monday night, which wasn’t enough to spur the team to victory as it fell 118-115 to the Phoenix Suns.

With their general handling of Embiid and George, the 76ers are making it clear their overriding priority is to have both players healthy and at their best in time for the playoffs.

That makes sense in theory because Embiid especially hasn’t had a postseason run when he was actually 100 percent. The potential downside is that Philadelphia could throw away some regular season games that prove costly for seeding purposes.

At least there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the Sixers having their full complement of stars.