Joel Embiid is doubtful for tonight's Game 3 against the Celtics after undergoing an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago. The 76ers hope to have him back to improve their chances in the tied playoff series.
Key points
Joel Embiid is doubtful for Game 3
He underwent an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago
The series is tied at 1-1
76ers won Game 2 111-97
Philadelphia 76ersBoston CelticsJoel Embiid
Is Joel Embiid playing tonight? Injury update for 76ers in Game 3 against Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for a crucial first-round Game 3 in their NBA playoffs matchup against the Boston Celtics, but uncertainty looms over the availability of their star center, Joel Embiid.
Embiid has been upgraded to doubtful ahead of Friday’s pivotal Game 3 at home against the Celtics. The star center underwent an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago while in Houston, and he has not played since the procedure. His status remains uncertain, as the 76ers hope for his return to bolster their chances in this tightly contested series.
The Eastern Conference first-round matchup stands tied at 1-1. After suffering a lopsided 123-91 defeat in Game 1, the 76ers responded with a strong performance in Game 2, securing a convincing 111-97 victory to even the series.
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
Q&A
Is Joel Embiid playing in Game 3 against the Celtics?
Joel Embiid is currently listed as doubtful for Game 3 against the Celtics.
What injury did Joel Embiid suffer before Game 3?
Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago.
What is the current series score between the 76ers and Celtics?
The series is currently tied at 1-1 between the 76ers and Celtics.
How did the 76ers perform in Game 2 of the playoffs?
The 76ers won Game 2 against the Celtics with a score of 111-97.
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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
1 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
1 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
2 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
3 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
4 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
5 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
The Philadelphia 76ers' star Joel Embiid is currently considered doubtful to play in the first-round playoff Game 3 against the Boston Celtics on Friday, April 24.
How to watch Game 3: Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics on Friday
