Sixers injury news: Nick Nurse gives latest update on Joel Embiid

CAMDEN, N.J. -- As the Philadelphia 76ers got back to work at practice on Thursday afternoon ahead of Friday's Game 3 with the Boston Celtics, the focus remains on when will Joel Embiid be able to return?

The big fella underwent an appendectomy on April 9 and is still in the recovery process, but the Sixers offered an encouraging update on Thursday. The team announced he is continuing his strength and conditioning program and he did participate in parts of practice.

Coach Nick Nurse admitted it wasn't much, but him participating in some walkthroughs is a big step forward.

"Well, we didn't do a whole lot out here on the court," Nurse said. "It's been a kind of double long film session, and we went through some, you know, just kind of this time of year stuff. We went through a few things we think are bothering us. Make a couple suggestions about ways we want to cover things. So, it's pretty extensive kind of walkthrough type. It’s a little bit more than a walk through, but not much more, and then on the other side of the ball, same thing."

In terms of his recovery, there have been some ups and downs for Embiid. It's been more of a day-by-day situation as he has his eyes on a return.

"I think sometimes it's positive, sometimes it's not," Nurse said of his recovery. "So, you know, 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."

Obviously, a return by Embiid would change the way this series is viewed and give Philadelphia a legitimate chance at going deep into the playoffs. He makes up for a lot of mistakes on the roster and is able to give the Sixers a fighting chance against anybody. If he can make it back to the floor, as Nurse and his staff is hoping for, then it provides that lift.

"We're, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he's really hopeful," Nurse finished. "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."

Game 3 is set for Friday evening with Game 4 set for Sunday before the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5 on Tuesday.