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Joel Embiid has been playing under a minutes restriction this season.

On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers are taking on the Boston Celtics for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. With questions surrounding the status of the star center, Joel Embiid, the head coach, Nick Nurse, didn’t waste any time confirming what many assumed.

Joel Embiid is not going to play in Game 1.

Following the Sixers’ first practice session ahead of the series’ start, Nick Nurse addressed Embiid’s status.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 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)

via Tony Jones, The Athletic: Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse on Joel Embiid’s possible availability at some point in the series against Boston: “I’m just worried about Sunday, and I know he’s not playing in that one. So I’m just trying to put together a great game plan for Sunday.”

Joel Embiid’s Return Remains Unclear

GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the game at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

During the final week of the regular season, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis. He underwent surgery, which caused him to miss the final three games of the 2025-2026 NBA season.

When the Sixers approached their Wednesday night NBA Play-In game against the Orlando Magic, Embiid made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery. While the Sixers were happy to see him, the center’s presence didn’t call for an official update.

The 76ers still don’t have a timetable for Embiid’s return in place. With all of the focus being on Game 1 this weekend, the Sixers are going to remain focused on the players who will be available.

GettyCAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers participates in media day at 76ers Training Complex on September 26, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey. 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)

Without Embiid, that calls for plenty of Adem Bona and Andre Drummond.

The last time Embiid played was during the Sixers’ April 6 game against the San Antonio Spurs. At the time, Embiid checked in for 39 minutes. He produced 34 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in the 115-102 loss.

This season, Embiid has appeared in 38 games for the Sixers. He produced an average of 26.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.

The Sixers and the Celtics will begin the series on Sunday, April 19. The game tips at 1 PM ET.