NEW ORLEANS _ The Sixers haven't had Joel Embiid in the lineup for 11 straight games. So when does the rookie center expect to play again?
"I'm hopeful to come back after All-Star (break)," the rookie center said during the Rising Stars Game media availability Friday at the Super Dome.
The first game?
"Yeah. Probably," Embiid said before a slight pause, "if the practices before that go well, and I don't get any knee swelling or soreness, definitely."
He has missed 11 straight games and 14 of 15 after suffering a bone bruise in his left knee on Jan. 20 against the Portland Trail Blazers. An MRI also revealed that he has a slightly torn meniscus.
Embiid said he's been experiencing knee swelling on and off after workouts.
The Sixers' first game after the break will be at home next Friday against the Washington Wizards. They are scheduled to have their next practice on Wednesday.
