Joel Embiid
Breakdown
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29. April 2026
Paces Philadelphia in win
Embiid recorded 33 points (12-23 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 9-10 FT), eight assists, four rebounds and one block across 39 minutes in Tuesday's 113-97 win over the Celtics in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Analyse
Embiid struggled early in this one, scoring two points while missing all three of his three-point tries in the first quarter. However, the star big man flipped the switch in the second quarter and scored at least eight points in each of the final three quarters. He also led Philadelphia with a game-high eight assists after dishing out six dimes in Sunday's Game 4 loss. Embiid and the Sixers will now turn their focus to Game 6 on Thursday, when they will look to stave off elimination once again.
29. April 2026
Returns Tuesday
Embiid (knee) returned to Tuesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics with 2:00 remaining in the third quarter, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.
Analyse
The star big man briefly exited to the locker room earlier in the third quarter after appearing to bump knees with Jaylen Brown. Embiid missed less than three minutes of game time before checking back in.
29. April 2026
Exits to locker room Tuesday
Embiid exited to the locker room in the third quarter of Tuesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against Boston due to an apparent left knee injury, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
Analyse
Embiid exited to the locker room with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter after appearing to bump knees with Jaylen Brown. If Embiid is unable to return, Andre Drummond will likely help pick up the slack the rest of the way.
28. April 2026
Available Tuesday
Embiid (abdomen) is available for Tuesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics.
Analyse
Embiid will suit up in Tuesday's win-or-go-home matchup after returning from a seven-game absence due to an appendectomy in Game 4. Over 34 minutes in Sunday's Game 4 loss, the star big man posted 26 points (9-21 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal.
27. April 2026
Listed probable for Game 5
Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Boston on Tuesday, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.
Analyse
Embiid put together a strong final line in his Game 4 return, and the fact he's being considered probable for Tuesday's matchup is presumably a sign he managed to avoid any type of setback. The Sixers should have the final word on his availability for Game 5 closer to tipoff.
27. April 2026
Logs double-double in return
Embiid contributed 26 points (9-21 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 loss to Boston in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Analyse
Embiid provided extra spark, but he wasn't enough to turn the tide against the Celtics. After a red-hot start, he missed seven consecutive shots down the stretch and looked visibly tired. He also reported pain during a postgame interview, indicating that he was still experiencing complications from his appendix surgery. The team desperately needs his output to stay in contention, but his participation is in doubt based on how tired he looked in the second half.
26. April 2026
Active for Game 4
Embiid (abdomen) will play in Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analyse
Embiid will make his return to the lineup after being sidelined due to an appendectomy. He will be in the starting lineup, but head coach Nick Nurse said pregame he was unsure whether Embiid will be on some sort of minutes restriction. Nonetheless, the superstar big man returns to action for a pivotal Game 4.
26. April 2026
Upgraded to questionable
Embiid (abdomen) has been upgraded to questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.
Analyse
Embiid underwent an appendectomy April 10 and has been sidelined since, but he has a chance to suit up for Sunday's contest. Embiid participated in on-court work Saturday and will likely go through pregame warmups to determine his availability for the pivotal Game 4.
25. April 2026
Doubtful for Sunday
Embiid (abdomen) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics.
Analyse
Embiid participated in on-court work Saturday, though he's still expected to remain on the inactive list Sunday after undergoing an appendectomy April 10. If the star big man is ultimately ruled out, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will likely continue splitting the center minutes.
25. April 2026
Participating in on-court work
Head coach Nick Nurse said Saturday that Embiid is participating in on-court work and will be evaluated after Saturday's and Sunday's shootarounds, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.
Analyse
Embiid underwent an appendectomy April 10 and hasn't played since April 6. The star big man was upgraded to doubtful before being ruled out ahead of Friday's Game 3 loss, and it appears there's a chance he will return for Game 4 on Sunday. The 76ers are expected to offer an update on his status by Saturday night, but for now, he can be considered questionable for Sunday.