Is Joel Embiid playing today? 76ers vs. Celtics 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 1 injury report

The Philadelphia 76ers will attempt to open the NBA playoffs on a high note against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. They’ll be without star center Joel Embiid during Game 1 of the first round matchup.

The 76ers ruled out Embiid on Sunday as he recovers from an appendectomy.

Embiid underwent the surprise surgery on April 9 in Houston. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Philadelphia is preparing to be without him for “at least the start of the Celtics series”, opening the door for a return at some point in the first round.

Joel Embiid injury status vs. Celtics

76ers head coach Nick Nurse spoke to reporters about Embiid’s status at practice on Friday.

“I’m preparing for Sunday’s game, and I know he’s not playing in that one,” Nurse said via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “So that’s all. We’re just like zeroed in on trying to see if we can go in there and get ready to battle and fight and execute as best we can? And then we’ll start figuring—anything that changes, you know, the series becomes a series. Anything that changes starts probably right in the middle of that game, and then we take it from there.”

Embiid appeared in only 38 games while battling injuries this season. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks on .489/.333/.854 shooting splits. Philadelphia was 9.3 points better per 100 possessions with him on the court vs. off, the team’s highest net rating swing.

Game 2 of the 76ers-Celtics series is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 P.M. EST.

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