The Philadelphia 76ers forced a Game 7 in the first-round series against the Boston Celtics in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
For the past three games, Joel Embiid has been healthy enough to get cleared for action. While the first outing for Embiid was a rough one, resulting in a blowout loss for the 76ers, the following two were nothing short of spectacular.
Just a few weeks removed from surgery, Embiid is going to be healthy enough to compete with the Sixers for their third-straight do-or-die game on the road in Boston.
Following Game 6, Embiid revealed how he’s feeling.
Joel Embiid Announces Honest Health Update Before Game 7
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 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)
“I tell my brain I feel amazing, so I feel amazing,” Embiid told reporters on Thursday night. “Hopefully, my brain understands it. Sometimes it’s hard. Your body tells you something different, but I feel amazing.”
“I tell my brain I feel amazing, so I feel amazing…Sometimes it’s hard. Your body tells you one thing, but I feel amazing.”
(Via @kennamcginnis_)
Since entering the NBA, Embiid has been plagued by injuries. When he gets to the playoffs, most of the time, the veteran center is battling through some sort of setback.
During the Sixers’ previous playoff run two seasons ago, Embiid battled with a knee injury. Throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season, Embiid had slight complications with the same knee, but also missed time due to an oblique injury.
Everything was moving in the right direction on the health front leading up to the final week of the regular season, but then a case of appendicitis forced surgery on the star big man. Embiid missed the remainder of the regular season, a Play-In game, and three playoff games.
The Sixers Are Hitting Their Stride
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 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)
After a miraculous second-half showing in Game 5 on the road in Boston, Embiid returned to his home court with a bang on Thursday.
He didn’t have the same dominant scoring night, putting up 19 points in 34 minutes, but Embiid nearly notched a triple-double.
The superstar center came down with 10 rebounds to secure the double-double, but also dished out eight assists. Embiid turned the ball over just once. As the Celtics threw double-teams at him, Embiid made them pay.
The Sixers took down the Celtics with a 106-93 victory. One more win, and the 76ers can send the Celtics home and pick up a second-round series against the New York Knicks, who advanced on Thursday night.
Joel Embiid Announces Honest Health Update Before Game 7 vs Celtics