76ers Coach Gives Unsurprising Joel Embiid Injury Update Before Celtics Playoffs Series

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76ers Coach Gives Unsurprising Joel Embiid Injury Update Before Celtics Playoffs Series originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It was reported on Thursday that the Philadelphia 76ers were "preparing" to be without star center Joel Embiid for at least the start of their first-round playoff series vs. the Boston Celtics.

Embiid recently underwent an emergency appendectomy.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse officially ruled the Cameroonian big man out for Game 1 of the series, which tips off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

"Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was asked if they’re preparing for the Celtics as if Joel Embiid won’t come back for the entire series or do they expect him to be available at some point," SPORTSRADIO 94WIP's Dave Uram posted on X, along with a video of Nurse's response.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was asked if they’re preparing for the Celtics as if Joel Embiid won’t come back for the entire series or do they expect him to be available at some point. @SportsRadioWIP@KYWNewsradiopic.twitter.com/Ze9HeM0rNN

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) April 17, 2026

"You know what? I'm preparing for Sunday's game and I know he's not playing in that one," Nurse said. "That's all. We're just zeroed in on trying to see, can we go (to Boston) and get ready to battle and fight and execute as best we can."

Without Embiid, Philadelphia is expected to rely heavily on their star backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, as well as veteran forward Paul George.

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