Joel Embiid's impending return may be too late

The reigning MVP has missed the last 29 games due to a meniscus tear that required surgery. He will have a few regular-season games to get back up to speed before the playoffs.

Unfortunately for the Sixers, they're unlikely to get Embiid at his best during their upcoming playoff run. Being cleared to play is one thing; being in peak physical condition is another. 

Embiid will need a significant stretch of games to get back to the level we saw from him before his injury, where he was playing at an MVP level.

In 34 games, Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three-point range.

Furthermore, head coach Nick Nurse must find ways to protect his star player during the often-physical postseason. Embiid will undoubtedly take some tough knocks and receive harsh bumps as he protects the rim or attacks the paint. 

The Sixers will likely be getting Embiid at 50 or 60 percent. They will be hoping he can reach 75 percent of his usual production before the end of the first round. 

If Nurse's team wants to compete for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, they will need a healthy Embiid on the court. Unfortunately, we're unlikely to see a healthy version of the star big man until the start of next season at the earliest.