Joel Embiid Injury News Emerges Amid 76ers-Celtics Series

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid Injury News Emerges Amid 76ers-Celtics Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 2:05 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers will return home for Game 3 of their first-round series against the Boston Celtics with momentum on their side after splitting the opening two games on the road.

The Sixers responded to a Game 1 loss with a convincing 111-97 victory in Game 2. Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe led the charge, contributing 29 and 30 points respectively, and tied the series at 1-1.

Through the first two games, the Sixers have been without Joel Embiid, who has not played since undergoing surgery for appendicitis earlier this month.

After he missed Game 1, the Sixers announced that he had started his strength and conditioning program.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Miami Heat.© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com shared a new update ahead of Friday’s Game 3, revealing that Embiid has taken part in practice for the first time this postseason.

According to Neubeck, Embiid was a limited participant during Thursday’s session.

“Joel Embiid continues his strength and conditioning program, participated in parts of practice today,” Neubeck wrote.

In a subsequent post, Neubeck reported head coach Nick Nurse's take on Thursday morning's practice.

“Nick Nurse said 'we didn’t do a whole lot out here on the court,' (regarding the) practice and what Embiid did today,” Neubeck wrote.

Joel Embiid continues his strength and conditioning program, participated in *parts* of practice today
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) April 23, 2026

The development, as little as it might be, marks progress after Embiid was previously limited to conditioning work following his appendectomy.

Embiid last played on Apr. 6 and missed the final stretch of the regular season, the play-in game against the Orlando Magic, and the first two playoff matchups against the Celtics.

Despite the positive step, Embiid's availability for Game 3 remains uncertain, as the Sixers have not submitted an official injury report yet. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night in Philadelphia, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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