After being on the wrong side of a Game 1 beatdown, the Philadelphia 76ers landed some good news on the Joel Embiid front on Monday, April 20.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Noah Levick, Joel Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program. The star center is recovering from an appendectomy.
The last time Embiid stepped foot on the court for the Sixers was during their April 6 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 19: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks to media at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on October 19, 2021 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
At the time, Embiid checked in for 39 minutes. He produced 34 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, and four blocks. The Sixers fell short for the second game in a row.
Just as Embiid was working his way back from an oblique injury, the star big man was diagnosed with appendicitis on the morning of the team’s April 9 matchup against the Houston Rockets.
As expected, Embiid missed the remainder of the 2025-2026 regular season (three games). He finished the year by playing in 38 games. During the season, Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Wells Fargo Center on June 20, 2021 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Sixers didn’t have Embiid on the court for their only Play-In game against the Orlando Magic. They ruled him out for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics.
Without Embiid, the Sixers didn’t seem to stand a chance against Boston to begin the series. The Sixers lost 123-91. Adem Bona started in Embiid’s place and had a rough outing from the jump. The 76ers trotted Bona out for just 14 minutes. Andre Drummond started the second half in his place as struggles persisted.
Could Joel Embiid Return To Face The Celtics?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Sixers haven’t revealed an official recovery timeline for Embiid just yet. The team is taking it day-by-day. Ideally, the Sixers would get Embiid back around his two-week mark, but his return date will depend on how his body responds to conditioning and basketball activity.
The 76ers and the Celtics will resume the series on Tuesday, April 21, for Game 2.