After stealing Game 2 on the road, the Philadelphia 76ers will get an opportunity to host the Boston Celtics for the next two games of the round-one series. Will Joel Embiid make his way back to play?
The veteran center is making positive progress, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s on pace to play against the Celtics.
On Thursday, the Sixers held a practice session in Camden, New Jersey, preparing for Game 3. On a positive note, the team confirmed that Joel Embiid was a partial participant. However, it was noted that it was a light session.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 10: Trendon Watford #12, Joel Embiid #21, and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers sit on the bench during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 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)
via Kyle Neubeck, PHLY: Joel Embiid continues his strength and conditioning program, participated in *parts* of practice today
Nick Nurse said “we didn’t do a whole lot out here on the court” re: practice and what Embiid did today
More progress is great news for the 76ers’ big man.
What Happened To Joel Embiid?
On the morning of the 76ers’ April 9 matchup against the Houston Rockets, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis. The star center was planning to play in his second-straight game, but was rushed to the hospital for surgery instead.
As expected, Embiid went on to miss the final three games of the regular season for the 76ers. When they played their NBA Play-In game against the Orlando Magic, Embiid was around, but did not get cleared for action.
The star center also missed the first two games of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The Sixers haven’t released their injury report for Game 3, but the assumption is that Embiid will not be available for the first set of playoff action at home.
The Sixers Tied The Series
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. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
In Game 1, the Sixers suffered a double-digit beatdown. It was the type of loss that had fans and analysts predicting a clean sweep for Boston after just one game.
Two nights later, the 76ers made it interesting. With a strong showing from Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers defeated the Celtics 111-97 on the road. Now, the series is tied as it resumes in South Philly for Game 3 on Friday, April 24.
The Sixers and the Celtics will tip at 7 PM ET.