Timberwolves' final test of the preseason just got harder with Joel Embiid update

Joel Embiid is set to return to the court during Friday's preseason game against the Timberwolves.
Philadelphia 76ers v Milwaukee Bucks
Philadelphia 76ers v Milwaukee Bucks | Stacy Revere/GettyImages

The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to rest most, if not all, of their starters during Friday's preseason finale against the Philadelphia 76ers. Notably, Minnesota played against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night in a game where their starters all played 20-plus minutes, including Anthony Edwards, who earned 30 minutes.

Given that the Wolves are likely to rest many key players, the 76ers always had an upper hand, as they haven't played in a week. Of course, winning preseason games doesn't really matter. Nevertheless, the 76ers' advantage got more significant with Joel Embiid returning to the court. The 2022-23 MVP got arthroscopic knee surgery back in April and hasn't played since February.

Seeing Embiid back on the court is a positive thing for hoops fans. While it's unclear how many minutes he'll play, containing him will be a challenge for a presumably undermanned Wolves squad.

Joel Embiid will be a massive test for Joan Beringer and other Timberwolves

No player will be tested more by Embiid's return than rookie Joan Beringer. The expectation is that Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid will all be out, leaving Beringer as the Wolves' starting big man.

Beringer has averaged 19.2 minutes, 6.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks through five preseason games. However, it's worth noting that Beringer didn't see any action until the fourth quarter of Thursday's game.

Throughout the preseason, Beringer has struggled a bit with one-on-one defense, especially against physical centers, including Jonas Valančiūnas. Beringer has shown plenty of flashes as a rim protector and switchable defender.

Undoubtedly, he has plenty of promise, especially defensively. Regardless, Beringer still needs to improve defending physically imposing centers, and there are few better players that he can test himself against than Embiid. Second-round pick Rocco Zikarsky could also get a chance to go up against Embiid.

From Embiid's perspective, coming back against a Wolves team that will be resting most of their key players is ideal. This should be an easy game to help Embiid get back into game shape and prepare for the Sixers' regular season opener next Wednesday.

Overall, this game always favored the Sixers, given that the Wolves are likely to rest a ton of players, but with Embiid back, it could be a true blowout. Again, winning isn't a focus in preseason, and the Wolves will get one last look at some fringe roster players on Friday. Nevertheless, all fans should be happy to see Embiid back on the court.