Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid underwent surgery to repair an orbital bone fracture around his left eye and, according to league sources, could return early in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Embiid could return in as soon as two weeks, sources said, based upon his recovery process. Doctors will evaluate his ability to return, and the Sixers plan to allow Embiid to return only if he's fully healed.
Embiid will be re-evaluated in five to seven days, the team said in a statement Saturday.
The Sixers have already clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The regular season ends April 11, with the team's first playoff game on April 14 or 15.
Embiid suffered the injury, as well as a concussion, in a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz on Wednesday night.