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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding Joel Embiid’s status for the upcoming Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics first-round playoff series after the 2023 NBA MVP underwent a successful appendectomy last Thursday.
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that Embiid was in the early stages of his recovery from surgery and would need a separate physical rehab before being cleared for basketball activities. While the report ruled out Embiid for Wednesday’s play-in game — in which the Sixers beat the Orlando Magic — there was no concrete update on whether the star center would play in a potential first-round playoff series.
For what it’s worth, the average recovery timeline for an appendectomy is two to five weeks, depending on the severity of the situation.
Will Joel Embiid Play Vs. Celtics?
Amid the uncertainty, veteran analyst Skip Bayless reported this week that Embiid had already been cleared by the 76ers’ medical staff but was hesitant to play basketball.
“I got a pretty good source in Philadelphia, who told me that Embiid is actually cleared to play, but has chosen not to play,” Bayless said on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast.
“That’s what I was told,” Bayles added.
“That it’s appendicitis, but it’s fine and went well. These days, they can just go quickly… He could play if he chose to. So, now that’s like turmoil, locker room kind of turmoil.”
Skip Bayless says he has a source in Philadelphia that said Joel Embiid is cleared to play, but chosen not to:
“That’s what I was told. That it’s appendicitis but it’s fine and went well these days they can just go quickly and pretty simply. And he could play if he chose to. So,
Drew Hanlen, Embiid’s trainer, strongly refuted the report.
“To set the record straight, this is 100% false,” Hanlen wrote on X.
“Nothing worse than when media members make up s**t for clicks & views then hide behind unnamed “sources.””
Joel Embiid Returns to Bench
Embiid, who played in 38 regular-season games before his abdominal issue, was on the bench for Wednesday’s play-in win against the Magic, marking the first time he was around his teammates after post-surgery.
Tyrese Maxey was thrilled to have his co-star in the huddle, calling it “a huge lift” for his team ahead of the playoff series against the Celtics.
“Huge man, huge,” Maxey said of Embiid returning to the bench, via ClutchPoints.
“Kyle called me two days ago, so Monday, he called me. He said, ‘Man, what do you think about Joel coming to the game?’ Like it would just be a huge lift. I’m like, ‘Yeah, I mean, if he can, he’s up to it.’ And we didn’t even ask him, I said, ‘Just if he can, he will.’ And he was there, you know what I mean?
“I talked to him via phone, and I was surprised to see him there. Gave him a big hug. I was glad to see him, and his spirits are high, so we’re happy for him.”
Game of the Celtics vs. 76ers series tips off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
If Embiid isn’t cleared to play, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will continue to hold down the fort for the 76ers. In Wednesday’s win, they combined for 16 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.
Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan
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