The Philadelphia 76ers are set to take on the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs. But on Thursday, the 76ers made headlines when they listed veteran star Joel Embiid on the injury report ahead of the marquee clash.
The Sixers enter this contest with momentum on their side after defeating the Celtics in Game 2 with a strong comeback win. Now, they will need an even better effort to keep their hopes alive in the series.
There is reason for optimism, as Embiid is expected to return to the lineup, providing a major boost to Philadelphia’s frontcourt. The 32-year-old has been out of the lineup since April 9 after undergoing an appendectomy. His most recent appearance came on April 6, when he posted 34 points and 12 rebounds in a 115-102 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Since then, the 76ers have been forced to navigate without their emotional leader, a role that extends far beyond the stat sheet.
Embiid has been progressing in practice in recent weeks, and on Thursday, head coach Nick Nurse said some “progress is being made.”
“I think sometimes it’s positive, sometimes it’s not,” he said about Embiid’s recovery process. “I think there’s work being done, and I think he’s got to do it and do more and react, and get some reactions to it, and this and that, and they’re gonna know a lot more, probably by the end of today where he is. I think, you know, it’s, again, it’s kind of like the work increases a little bit, and then we got to see how he comes out of that stuff.”
The six-time All-Star was originally believed to miss the entire first-round series, but a recent report suggests there is now a possibility he could return ahead of schedule.
“We’re, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he’s really hopeful,” Nurse added. “He wants to play, and we want him to play. I don’t know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there’s some progress being made. Let’s hope it keeps that way. Keeps going that way.”
Though he is listed as doubtful, there is still a chance he could suit up in Friday’s game. However, the 76ers will be mindful of his recovery and won’t rush him back. Embiid’s potential return would be massive for the lineup. This season, he averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field. In his absence, the 76ers have gone 21-23 this season.
Joel Embiid stats vs Boston Celtics
Joel Embiid has faced the Boston Celtics 15 times in the postseason. He averages 25.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in those matchups. However, he holds a 3-12 record against Boston in the playoffs.
Those wins include a 103-92 Game 4 victory in the 2018 Eastern Conference Semifinals, as well as two wins in Games 4 and 5 during the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals, which went to seven games.
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