Some optimism and momentum were building in the 76ers’ building after it was announced that Joel Embiid had started a strength and conditioning program this week. The vibes were even more positive in Philly after they pulled off an upset victory in Game 2 in Boston to steal homecourt back.
Then on Thursday, it was announced that Embiid had participated in parts of practice, and he was officially upgraded to doubtful for Friday night’s Game 3.
But hours before tip-off, Nick Nurse threw cold water on the Sixers’ dreams of getting their MVP center back as the team officially ruled him out for Game 3. Nurse was asked about Joel’s status and why he remains out, and stated, “Just not ready. He's lifted some, he's got on court a bit, but we're still at two weeks and a day, I think. So, just not ready yet."
Joel Embiid has been ruled out for tonight’s game, per a team spokesperson. Embiid has been working hard to return to play, including intensifying his on court work. He met with medical staff this afternoon and while doctors are pleased with his progress just two weeks removed…
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 24, 2026
Embiid had emergency surgery for appendicitis on April 9th, as Nurse was referring, explaining he’s still at just over two weeks since surgery, and just returned to any semblance of physicality, but it doesn’t sound like he’s that close to being ready to actually lace them up and play in an NBA playoff game.
Joel Embiid could really make Celtics sweat
Even if Embiid is able to return at some point in the series, he’d likely be less than 100%, and yet, he would still make an immediate impact. As well as Andre Drummond played in Game 2, that’s a massive upgrade to a guy who’s a walking 20/10 any time he’s on the court.
At the very least, he’d be a hell of a decoy who could generate some offense and lots of attention, making life much easier for the likes of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Don’t get me wrong, the Celtics should win this series whether or not Embiid returns, but do they really want to give the Sixers any more reason for hope? They need to take advantage of the health misfortune on the other side and put this series away as quickly as possible.Â
The Game 2 loss was frustrating and embarrassing for the Cs, but it was an understandable, and familiar one-off fluke, at least for now. Time to crank things up and take care of business in these two games in Philadelphia, taking a stranglehold on this first-round series, and extinguishing any shred of life for the 76ers.
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