As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for their first-round series against the Boston Celtics, the team has a major question mark surrounding its star center, Joel Embiid.
Last week, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis before the Sixers took on the Houston Rockets. He went in for surgery, which caused a three-game absence for Embiid to end the year.
He officially wrapped up the season with 38 games played. Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
When the Sixers approached their NBA Play-In matchup against the Orlando Magic, Embiid was ruled out officially on the eve of the matchup. He wasn’t expected to play in the tournament at all.
However, the Sixers won’t need to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. After defeating the Magic, the Sixers are playoff-bound. They are going to face the Celtics in a series, which begins on Sunday.
The Sixers haven’t made an official call on Embiid’s availability, but ESPN’s Shams Charania delivers bad news to those who were hopeful for a potential return.
What’s The Latest On Joel Embiid?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Charania reported that the Sixers are “preparing to be without” Embiid to start the first round of the playoffs this weekend, according to Underdog NBA.
While that’s an unfortunate situation, it doesn’t mean that Embiid is expected to miss all of the first round.
The 76ers haven’t placed an official timeline on the star center just yet. After Embiid was discharged from the hospital in Texas, the Sixers announced that updates would be announced when necessary.
Ahead of Wednesday’s action against Orlando, Embiid made his first public appearance since playing on April 6 against the San Antonio Spurs.
After the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed Embiid’s presence.
âHe was questionable whether he was going to be able to get here tonight because of some of the stuff theyâre doing, but I didnât even realize he was over there,â Nick Nurse told reporters after the game.
âThe film started, and I looked over, and he was sitting in his seat and had a big smile on his face, and most of the other guys didnât know he was there either. So, they asked him how he was. He said he feels good. He smiled. Some of the players said hello to him and all that kind of stuff. So itâs good to have him around.â
The 76ers and the Celtics will fire up their series on Sunday, April 19. Game 1 is slated for a 1 PM ET tip.
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