Is Joel Embiid playing tonight? 76ers vs. Celtics 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 3 injury report

The Philadelphia 76ers will look to protect their homecourt when they host the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday for Game 3 of their first-round series in the playoffs.

The 76ers are coming off a huge victory in Game 2 at TD Garden, 111-97, to tie the best-of-seven skirmish.

Philadelphia did it without Joel Embiid, who is recovering from his emergency appendectomy. He was also out of commission in Game 1.

Joel Embiid’s injury status vs. Celtics in Game 3

Embiid has a strong chance to suit up in Game 3, as he was upgraded to doubtful in the NBA’s injury report.

It is obviously a positive sign for the Sixers. He would instantly improve the frontline, providing an imposing presence on both ends of the floor. He can punish the Celtics in the interior with his size and strength, although he could receive a tough challenge from Neemias Queta and Nikola Vucevic.

While Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have filled in well for Embiid, who has not played since April 6, Philadelphia would definitely rather have the former MVP in the lineup.

He averaged 26.9 points on 48.9% field goals, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 38 games in the regular season.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse has remained even-keeled about the 32-year-old Embiid’s status, noting that there has been “some progress.”

The seven-time All-Star has a score to settle against the Celtics, as he has never beaten them in three matchups in the playoffs.

Sixers injury report

Joel Embiid – Doubtful (post-appendectomy surgery recovery)
Tyrese Maxey – Available (right finger strain)

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