On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers are taking on the Boston Celtics for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. With questions surrounding the status of the star center, Joel Embiid, the head coach, Nick Nurse, didn’t waste any time confirming what many assumed.
Joel Embiid is not going to play in Game 1.
Following the Sixers’ first practice session ahead of the series’ start, Nick Nurse addressed Embiid’s status.
via Tony Jones, The Athletic: Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse on Joel Embiid’s possible availability at some point in the series against Boston: “I’m just worried about Sunday, and I know he’s not playing in that one. So I’m just trying to put together a great game plan for Sunday.”
Joel Embiid’s Return Remains Unclear
During the final week of the regular season, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis. He underwent surgery, which caused him to miss the final three games of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
When the Sixers approached their Wednesday night NBA Play-In game against the Orlando Magic, Embiid made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery. While the Sixers were happy to see him, the center’s presence didn’t call for an official update.
The 76ers still don’t have a timetable for Embiid’s return in place. With all of the focus being on Game 1 this weekend, the Sixers are going to remain focused on the players who will be available.
Without Embiid, that calls for plenty of Adem Bona and Andre Drummond.
The last time Embiid played was during the Sixers’ April 6 game against the San Antonio Spurs. At the time, Embiid checked in for 39 minutes. He produced 34 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in the 115-102 loss.
This season, Embiid has appeared in 38 games for the Sixers. He produced an average of 26.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.
The Sixers and the Celtics will begin the series on Sunday, April 19. The game tips at 1 PM ET.