When the Philadelphia 76ers fired up their first-round series against the Boston Celtics, the status of Joel Embiid was a major question mark.
As the star center dealt with appendicitis during the final week of the regular season, Embiid underwent surgery, which forced him to miss the NBA Play-In Tournament and the first three games of the playoffs.
Embiid returned to the Sixers’ lineup in Game 4 and hasn’t missed action since. His team went down 1-3 after his first game back. After getting his feet wet, Embiid helped lead the 76ers on a comeback, which ended with a successful Game 7 in Boston.
Throughout the game, Embiid was seen getting attention from the medical staff. 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the status of the star center.
Nick Nurse Discusses Joel Embiid After Game 7
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts 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)
“The amount of games is still pretty low, right? These are super intense, pretty quick comebacks, every other day. He didn’t get lucky enough to get those three day breaks at the start, but he was doing everything he could to stay in the game,” Nick Nurse said of Embiid.
“We obviously ran a lot of stuff through him. We still think he got a lot of shots that can go in, but I think he’s directing traffic and making good passes and all that stuff. He’s at least given us a focal point to play through, which is excellent.”
Despite the looks of Game 7, which included a stretching and limping for Embiid, Nurse didn’t have anything concerning to report at the conclusion of Game 7. While Embiid will need to see how his body responds over the next day or so, the star center seems to be in good shape at the moment.
The 76ers Are Moving On
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)
With a 109-100 win over the Celtics, the Sixers are gearing up for a series against the New York Knicks.
Embiid finished Game 7 with 39 minutes played. He shot 12-26 from the field and 9-11 from the free-throw line to produce 34 points. Embiid secured the double-double with 12 rebounds, and he also had six assists.
The Sixers and the Knicks will battle it out at 8 PM ET on Monday, May 4, against the Knicks.
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