Is Joel Embiid playing tonight? 76ers vs. Celtics 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 7 injury report

The Philadelphia 76ers have forced a decisive Game 7 after a disappointing start to their first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Now, anything can happen, and the Sixers are hopeful Joel Embiid will be there to help them out.

Embiid returned from a multi-week absence due to an appendectomy in Game 4, shocking everyone in the process. Since then, he’s found his rhythm while looking like his usual, joyful self, helping the 76ers win two straight games en route to a Game 7 on Saturday night.

Given that Embiid missed roughly two weeks recovering from a major surgery and getting back into game shape, in addition to the apparent knee injury scare he suffered in Game 5, many might be asking: 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 in Game 7.

Joel Embiid’s injury status vs. the Celtics in Game 7

Since returning from his appendectomy in Game 4, Joel Embiid has been listed as PROBABLE for every game in the series.

That remains the same for Saturday’s do-or-die Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, with Embiid once again labeled PROBABLE to play in Game 7.

At this point, the injury report appears to be more of a formality than anything else. Embiid is expected to play, and the Sixers will essentially have their whole team for the matchup.

Since returning from his multi-week absence, Embiid has averaged 26 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in 35.7 minutes of action. Philadelphia lost the first game in the series and their first two home games, but responded in dramatic fashion, becoming the 37th team in NBA history to force a Game 7 after trailing a series 3-1.

Embiid is 0-3 against the Celtics in his NBA playoff career with losses in the 2018, 2020, and 2023 playoffs, but he’s hoping that streak comes to an end on Saturday night.

“I mean, I’ve been playing these guys for so long,” Embiid told members of the media after the Game 6 win. “You know, I’m tired of losing to them. So we have a chance to accomplish something special. I mean, they’re a great team. You look at everything they have. You know, that’s a super team. So we just got to go and do something. Mindset we’ve had for the last, you know, two games. Last two wins, it’s been one play at a time. Tough environment. But we’ve been there. We won two games over there. So just keeping on what we’ve been doing. We’ll be fine.”

Joel Embiid on the opportunity Game 7 against the Celtics on Saturday presents:

“I’m tired of losing to them. We have a chance to do something special.”

(Via @MrUram @kennamcginnis_) pic.twitter.com/kI7MXeHkvN

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 1, 2026

In Game 5, Embiid nearly recorded a triple-double as he finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

Embiid returned from an appendectomy just 16 days after undergoing surgery, surprising everyone who thought he was going to miss the entire series at a minimum. Joel Embiid’s bout with appendicitis dates back to April 9th just four days before the end of the regular season.

Joel Embiid was determined to recover in time to play because he didn’t want to look back on this 76ers season and wonder what else he could’ve done to help his team.

“I fought and pushed very hard to come back to help as much as I can,” Embiid said after the Sixers Game 5 victory. “I’m glad we won today. I didn’t want to go home and think about it all summer, of what could’ve been if I was healthy going into the playoffs. So one more day and one more game to go on and try to make it back here. That’s the mentality. I’m just thankful to be in a position where I get to play.

“One thing about me is I’ve dealt with a lot of stuff over my career. I don’t complain. I just want to give as much as I can every single time i step on the floor. I know a lot of people might have takes that I might be lazy or whatever, but every single time I’m on the floor, I want to play as hard as possible. I want to do whatever it takes to win a basketball game, whether it’s on offense, on defense, I just want to play basketball. Whether I’m good physically or mentally, I just want to enjoy these moments. Just being part of a basketball team that’s trying to accomplish something.”

In 38 appearances during the regular season, Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, continuing to show his all-around game throughout the year.

76ers injury report

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

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

Celtics injury report

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

The Boston Celtics are coming off a Game 6 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers and are returning home for a do-or-die Game 7. Philadelphia will be coming in with momentum to try to close the series out and move on to the second round.

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