The Boston Celtics opened their playoff run with a 123-91 statement in Game 1, a performance that looked like the beginning of a short series. The Philadelphia 76ers had other ideas. The 76ers came back with far more conviction in Game 2, winning 111-97 at TD Garden to level the series and shift the momentum heading into Friday night.
Now the series moves to Philadelphia with the stakes raised on both sides. For Boston, the challenge just got more complicated.
The latest Joel Embiid update changes the picture heading into the weekend.
The Latest on Embiid’s Status
Embiid was a partial participant in practice Thursday morning, the 76ers confirmed.
Head coach Nick Nurse described the session as a limited workout, something above a standard walkthrough but well short of full practice. It marked the most basketball activity Embiid has seen since undergoing emergency surgery two weeks ago.
Philadelphia later upgraded his status to doubtful for Game 3.
That designation likely keeps him out on Friday, but the direction has shifted. Embiid has been working through a conditioning and rehabilitation regimen for most of the week and the progress has been meaningful. Embiid was moving on the practice floor earlier in that window than most would have expected.
GettyJoel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.
What It Means for the Celtics
Embiid averaged 26.9 points per game this season across 38 appearances. The Sixers missed him in Game 1. Without Embiid anchoring the interior, Philadelphiaâs frontcourt struggled from the opening tip.
The 76ers won Game 2 without him, which raises a different kind of question for the Celtics. What does this series look like when he is actually back?
The doubtful tag rules him out Friday. Game 4 and Game 5 are now the realistic targets, and if the series remains competitive heading into that window, his return becomes one of the more significant variables in the Eastern Conference bracket.
In the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Embiid averaged 25.5 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Celtics.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 14: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shake hands after game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown Sends Message Ahead of Game 3
Celtics star Jaylen Brown had a message after the final buzzer of Game 2.
âWeâll learn from it, and weâll get back to playing Celtics basketball,â Brown said.
That is the tone of a player who has been through playoff battles before. Brown knows what this team is capable of. One bad game at home does not change the belief inside that locker room. What it does is sharpen the focus heading into Philadelphia for games 3 and 4.
âItâs the playoffs,â Brown said. âWelcome to the playoffs, you know what I mean?â
GettyBOSTON, MA – APRIL 21: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dives for a ball while guarded by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter of a game at TD Garden on April 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Celtics
Embiid is doubtful for Friday, but a return later in this series is now a real possibility.
Game 4 or Game 5 is the target for him and the 76ers.
The Celtics are healthy and have the road record to back up their confidence. Boston went 26-15 away from TD Garden during the regular season.
Game 3 awaits.
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