Overview
- Recovering from an emergency appendectomy last week, Embiid did not suit up but sat on the bench and drew “huge” praise from Tyrese Maxey for the lift he gave the team.
- Head coach Nick Nurse said Embiid surprised the group by showing up for a pregame film session and added that the center said he feels good.
- Philadelphia beat Orlando 109–97 in the Play-In to clinch a playoff spot and now opens a first-round series on the road against the Celtics.
- The 76ers have not set a return timeline for Embiid and expect to update his status before the series, while outside physicians view a Game 1 comeback as unlikely.
- Embiid’s presence boosts morale, but his availability would also change matchups and game plans against Boston’s size and spacing.