When it became clear that the Philadelphia 76ers had a shot at the 2026 NBA Playoffs, they were thrilled with the idea of potentially having Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, healthy and available at the start.
Unfortunately, Embiid woke up with appendicitis just days before the regular season concluded. After undergoing surgery, Embiid missed the final few games of the regular season, one NBA Play-In game, and three playoff games against the Boston Celtics.
Saturday’s Game 7 against the Celtics was Embiid’s fourth matchup of the postseason. He helped lead the charge on a 1-3 comeback against Boston. It was the first time the Sixers defeated the Celtics in a series since 1982.
It’s evident that Embiid is still battling through his setback, but the star center doesn’t want to use it as an excuse as long as he’s playing. When asked about it on Saturday night, Embiid went as far as joking that the setback wasn’t real.
Joel Embiid Dodges Health Question Before Round 2
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)
“I feel great. I feel amazing. I was faking it,” Embiid told reporters.
The message echoed a similar sentiment to his postgame quote after the sixth matchup of the series.
âI tell my brain I feel amazing, so I feel amazing,â Embiid told reporters on Thursday night. âHopefully, my brain understands it. Sometimes itâs hard. Your body tells you something different, but I feel amazing.â
Nick Nurse Addresses Joel Embiid Following Game 7
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 08: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on December 08, 2024 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)
âThe amount of games is still pretty low, right? These are super intense, pretty quick comebacks, every other day. He didnât get lucky enough to get those three day breaks at the start, but he was doing everything he could to stay in the game,â Nick Nurse said of Embiid after the final game of the series.
âWe obviously ran a lot of stuff through him. We still think he got a lot of shots that can go in, but I think heâs directing traffic and making good passes and all that stuff. Heâs at least given us a focal point to play through, which is excellent.â
Embiid entered Game 7 with three games played in the postseason this year. He posted averages of 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
In the elimination game, Embiid produced 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and one block. Barring any unfortunate setbacks, Embiid seems healthy enough to make his second-round debut with the team in Game 1 against the New York Knicks next week.
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