76ers' Joel Embiid returns to practice, takes part in 5-on-5 drills

PHILADELPHIA -- Joel Embiid was cleared for 5-on-5 drills and participated in a full practice with the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time Thursday since having knee surgery in March.

Embiid sat out Philadelphia's preseason opener on Wednesday and won't play against Boston on Friday. The Sixers are hopeful Embiid will be in the lineup on opening night.

It was Embiid's first full practice since having surgery March 24 for a meniscus tear in his left knee. He hasn't played in a game since Jan. 27.

Embiid's career has been riddled with injuries dating to his college days at Kansas and all three seasons with the Sixers. Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft, missed his first two NBA seasons with injuries and played only 31 games last season. He averaged 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds.