Although the Philadelphia 76ers upgraded Joel Embiid on their injury report ahead of the Game 3 battle at home against the Boston Celtics, the star center was ultimately ruled out.
While some fans had hope Embiid could make a shocking return, the expectation was that Embiid would be out for another game. He was listed as doubtful for roughly 24 hours before getting ruled out.
Ahead of the Game 3 action, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed reporters and discussed the state of Embiid as they display changes in his status.
Nick Nurse Makes A Statement On Joel Embiid
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at the Wells Fargo Center on November 04, 2023 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)
“[He’s] Just not ready,” Nurse stated. “I mean, he’s lifted some, he’s got on court a bit, but we’re still two weeks a day, I think. So, we’re just not ready yet.”
When the Sixers held their only practice session before Game 3, Embiid was part of the action, albeit in a limited capacity. Just a few days prior, he started his strength and conditioning program.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 5: Tyrese Maxey #0 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 5, 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Following that practice, Nick Nurse made it clear that both parties were on the same page. Embiid wants to play when the time is right, and the Sixers are embracing that. However, a timeline hasn’t been established. Embiid and the 76ers are playing his recovery by ear, and the veteran center recently ramped up his activity with teammates and the player development staff.
“He’s getting some playing in and pretty intense playing,” Nurse explained. “Mostly workouts and stuff. Individual stuff, but he has gotten out there and played against competition since getting there.”
The 76ers Will Eye Game 4 For Joel Embiid
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the game at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 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)
With Game 3 ruled out, the Sixers will likely keep the door open for Embiid to potentially make his playoff debut in 2026 during Game 4.
That matchup is set to take place on Sunday, April 26, at 7 PM ET.
If not by then, Game 5 would be the next option on Tuesday, April 28, in Boston.