Preparing for the Game 5 battle in Boston, the Philadelphia 76ers held a routine shootaround session on Tuesday morning. Joel Embiid remains on the team’s injury report for the matchup.
Fortunately, Embiid was initially listed as probable for the game. That’s a big change compared to the last two matchups, where the Sixers had him listed as doubtful.
To add more good news to the situation, the Sixers also had Embiid present for the team’s shootaround session at TD Garden hours before the game was set to tip off. That’s just another positive sign that suggests he should be good to go.
The Sixers’ Season Is On The Line
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The 76ers need all hands on deck, and should have it for Tuesday’s Game 5 action.
Although Embiid’s injury status could reverse, he seems more than likely on pace to play, considering he didn’t suffer any setbacks during his playoff debut in Game 4 on Sunday night.
It was a short but exhausting process to get back on track for Embiid.
After Embiid was cleared to play in Game 4, the star center checked in for 34 minutes. He shot 9-21 from the field and 7-9 from the free-throw line to score 26 points.
Along with his scoring, Embiid came down with 10 rebounds and produced six assists, one steal, and one block.
Despite the return of the superstar center, the 76ers didn’t have any answers for the Celtics. Boston defeated Philadelphia with a score of 128-96. Now, the 76ers are down with no cushion left.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“We know what we didn’t do well, obviously,” Joel Embiid told reporters. “I think they believe in what they believe, which is shoot a lot of threes, and they believe they can make enough of it to win every single game. Tonight, offensive rebounding hurt us a little bitâa lot, actually. I think threes equal long rebounds. It felt like we kept coming in. Instead, you know, we should go towards our man and check them before even looking at the ball, and that’s an adjustment. We’ve had that problem all season. So, we got to do a better job.”
Embiid has a good shot at playing in his second postseason game. The Sixers are hoping to pick up their second win of the series, forcing a Game 6 in Philadelphia later this week.
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