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Joel Embiid is out for the Philadelphia 76ers' game on Tuesday, January 20.

Following Thursday’s Philadelphia 76ers practice session, the head coach Nick Nurse addressed reporters with important news regarding Joel Embiid.

The star center was a limited participant in what the head coach considered to be a light practice session. It’s not a sign that Embiid is making his way back for Game 3, but it’s a step in the right direction for the big man, who received surgery for appendicitis two weeks ago.

While the Sixers don’t have a timeline in place still, Nurse made a statement on where everything is at on the eve of Game 3.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 25: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers yells out to his team against the Charlotte Hornets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 125-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

“We’re, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he’s really hopeful,” Nurse told reporters, according to Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin. “He wants to play, and we want him to play. I don’t know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there’s some progress being made.”

When Was The Last Time Embiid Played?

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Sixers haven’t trotted Embiid out on the court since their April 6 loss against the San Antonio Spurs during the regular season. At the time, Embiid was coming back from an oblique strain. He checked in for 39 minutes.

Although Embiid was on pace to play the Houston Rockets on April 9, he was diagnosed with appendicitis, leaving him to miss the final three games of the regular season. The 76ers missed Embiid for the NBA Play-In Tournament battle against the Orlando Magic, along with the first two games against the Celtics in the playoffs.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Embiid finished the regular season by appearing in 38 games. The veteran center produced 26.9 points per game, and came down with 7.7 rebounds per game. He dished out 3.9 assists per game, and blocked 1.2 shots per game.

The Sixers and the Celtics are slated for a 7 PM ET tip on Friday, April 24.