The last image of Joel Embiid playing with the 76ers was him gritting his way through Bell’s palsy and the aftereffects of a left knee injury. He played 40 minutes in Game 6 of the first round matchup last season against the New York Knicks despite being clearly limited.

Facing Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers in the opening leg of NBA Cup group play, the Knicks spoiled Embiid's return with a 111-99 victory at Wells Fargo Center. Tuesday marked the first meeting between the Knicks and 76ers since the Atlantic Division rivals did battle in the opening round of last year's playoffs.

Not only was this a playoff rematch from April, but it was also the NBA Cup opener and the return of Joel Embiid who made his season debut. Embiid didn't have a normal dominant night for Philadelphia as he had 13 points,