The Sixers got some good news on Monday as Joel Embiid returned to practice. Albeit, as a partial participant, but it is something for Philadelphia as it moves forward. The big fella will remain out for both the matchups with the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, but Embiid practicing is a good sign going forward.

Rivers spent three seasons navigating the NBA gantlet peppered with Embiid health issues. The former MVP has played in only 13 of the Sixers’ 41 games.

Embiid, Guerschon Yabusele (knee) and KJ Martin (foot stress reaction) were partial participants. Yabusele missed two games after knee-to-knee contact Jan. 15 against the Knicks but has played the last three, including both halves of the Cleveland-Chicago back-to-back. He was listed as probable.

Embiid, who has been out since Jan. 4 with a foot sprain and knee swelling stemming from last year's meniscus surgery, was a partial participant in Monday's practice, the team said.

Joel Embiid appeared healthy and in good spirits at practice Monday, but the star big man will remain out for the Sixers’ next two games.

Joel Embiid was on the floor after Sixers practice Monday chatting with Tyrese Maxey, shooting jumpers and sweating. He even did a few handstands. A return to games is still not imminent. According to a Sixers official,

Joel Embiid greets Tyrese Maxey after the Sixers' upset victory over the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers last week. T he Sixers said that Joel Embiid was a partial participant in Monday morning’s practice and that he will miss the team's next two games.