Another day, another cryptic injury update from the Philadelphia 76ers.

At the top of Thursday afternoon's post-practice media availability, Nick Nurse gave reporters the usual rundown of the team's long injury report. Caleb Martin and Adem Bona were full participants for the second straight practice, but Nurse said there is still some "question on their availability", specifically for Martin. That was the extent of the updates from Nurse though, who fairly reached his breaking point with injury updates months ago.

Things got a little more interesting when Andre Drummond stepped to the mic and potentially spilled some beans about Embiid, who the team said was to be re-evaluated a week from Monday.

Drummond was asked if the team is finally benefitting from having their stars on the floor after winning five of their last seven games. In his answer, he might have let it slip that Embiid may be returning sooner than expected.

"Thankfully, Paul [George] is back and fully healthy, so he's a big help for us. I'm sure Jo will be back tomorrow too," he said, "so we should have a full roster tomorrow and go from there."

The team expecting Embiid back Friday against the Charlotte Hornets would be somewhat of a surprise given that is sooner than the one week timetable the team gave on Monday, but anyone who's followed Embiid's career can't be too surprised. He's already played a game being listed as doubtful this season.

While the universe (and Embiid himself) dictate that Embiid's availability will always be shrouded in mystery, Drummond also gave reasons as to why he thinks Embiid may return Friday.

"He was out there, he played 5V5, he participated in his drill, so he looked good," Drummond said. He also revealed that Embiid donned a mask in practice and that he participated in Wednesday's practice as well.

While Drummond did drop all of those clues, he slightly hedged his bets.

"I mean, obviously it's up to him if he feels comfortable going out there quite yet," he said, "but he looked fine to me. He's been moving around. He wore his mask. So whatever the team doctors say for tomorrow. I didn't say it here first, so I take back what I said."

So everyone will be glued to the 5:30 injury report the team must release Thursday to see if there is any change to Embiid's status. The more things change, the more they stay the same.