The Sixers are closer to the team that was promised than the haters hoped was possible after a dispiriting month. It’s only a matter of time before they get there, assuming the stars stay healthy.

The silver lining is that both Embiid and George were full participants in Friday's practice, which means a return for both could be around the corner. With Saturday's game ruled out as an option for Embiid,

CAMDEN, N.J. – Friday felt, a newly shaven Nick Nurse said, like a rare “normal day at the office” for the 76ers. It got a little less normal when Joel Embiid addressed the media for the first time since the start of a season in which he has yet to play.