Joel Embiid: 485 games played, 485 missed… and the Sixers under pressure for the playoffs
March 17, 2026
Nicolas Flamecourt
Joel Embiid uncertain for playoff series against the Celtics
The 76ers are preparing to start their first-round series without star center Joel Embiid, still recovering from his emergency appendectomy last week.
Mar 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center/forward Joel Embiid (21) runs down the court during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
One of the main questions ahead of the first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers is the availability of Joel Embiid. The 76ers center has not played since April 6 due to an emergency appendectomy that came at the worst possible time.
An absence that could extend into the start of the series
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, who spoke Thursday on ESPN, the outlook is not encouraging for a quick return of the seven-time All-Star. « The Sixers are preparing to face the Celtics without Joel Embiid, at least to start the series, » Charania said. « He is only about a week removed from his appendectomy surgery. So he is really in the recovery phase. »
The former MVP missed the last three regular season games as well as his team’s crucial victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in the Play-In Tournament. Despite the series against Boston not starting until Sunday, his status remains highly uncertain.
Charania emphasized the seriousness of the situation: « This is a serious issue that Joel Embiid had a week ago. He is still trying to recover. » The insider also noted that Embiid will still need to go through a rehabilitation phase once his recovery is complete, further delaying his potential return.
Shams on Joel Embiid:
« He’s not expected to play during the play in tournament. My understanding is he’s in the very early stages of his recovery process from appendicitis. He has to recover first then there will be a separate physical part of the rehab as well » pic.twitter.com/PKmZooBVgG
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 13, 2026
Encouraging signs despite the uncertainty
On a more positive note, Charania revealed that Embiid was present with the 76ers for the first time since his surgery during Wednesday’s win against the Magic, suggesting he is making progress in his recovery.
Based on this information, it seems likely that Embiid will be unavailable for the start of the series this weekend, potentially leaving his team short-handed against the Celtics. Only time will tell if and when the center can make his return against Boston in this crucial first-round series.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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