Is Joel Embiid playing tonight? 76ers vs. Celtics 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 6 injury report

The Philadelphia 76ers did what almost no one thought they could: win Game 5 on the road against the Boston Celtics and force a Game 6 back in Philly. The impressive 76ers win in Game 5 could not have been done without the services of Joel Embiid.

The Sixers star returned for Game 4 after missing three weeks worth of action due to an appendectomy in early April. There were many questions about his availability for the playoffs, but Embiid recovered swiftly and returned to action just 16 days after surgery.

But Embiid also appeared to suffer an injury scare in Game 5, leaving the game with what appeared to be a hyperextension.

Despite coming back and helping the 76ers win Game 5, it’s fair to wonder: is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs. Celtics?

Here’s everything we know about Joel Embiid’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Celtics.

Joel Embiid’s injury status vs. the Celtics

Joel Embiid had been listed as PROBABLE for Game 5 after making his return from an appendectomy, and will be the same for Game 6.

Ahead of Thursday night’s showdown in Philly, Embiid has been listed as PROBABLE to play once again, with the expectation that he’ll suit up and try to will his team to force a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics.

In just his second game back from injury, a 113-97 Sixers win, Joel Embiid played rather well. Embiid poured in a team-high 33 points with four rebounds and eight assists while shooting 12-of-23 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line in a whopping 39 minutes of play.

His Game 4 performance was strong as well, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, but Philly was blown out at home, 128-96.

Embiid played against the San Antonio Spurs on April 6th, totaling a whopping 34 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocked shots, but reported having abdominal pain in the team’s next few days off before facing Houston on April 9th. At one point, the pain became so unbearable, he called team personnel in the middle of the night and he was rushed to an area hospital, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis and underwent emergency appendectomy surgery.

In surprising fashion, Joel Embiid recovered and was able to return to action just 16 days after undergoing surgery. His return speaks to the dedication the Sixers star has for his team and for the game of basketball.

In 38 appearances this season, Joel Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three.

76ers injury report

The 76ers have two players listed on the injury report for Thursday’s game.

• • Joel Embiid (Post Appendectomy Surgery Recovery): Probable
  • Tyrese Maxey (right tendon finger strain): Available

Celtics injury report

The Celtics have zero players listed on the injury report for Thursday’s game.

The Boston Celtics are coming off a loss in Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers and will surely be hungry to close the series out to focus on their next opponent. Jayson Tatum has looked excellent in his return from a torn Achilles tendon, pairing up with Jaylen Brown and returning to looking like the best team in the Eastern Conference.

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