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Joel Embiid.

When it started to become clear that the Philadelphia 76ers could get Joel Embiid back on the court, a Philly-based sports talk show offered a little pushback.

“I don’t need to see Joel Embiid come back in this series,” Joe Giglio of 94WIP told his listeners after Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe led the Sixers to a shocking Game 2 win on the road over the Boston Celtics.

“I don’t need to see it. I’m good! I want to watch Edgecombe and Maxey. Wherever it goes, it goes. If it goes out in five, it goes out in five. If it goes out in six, it goes out in six. I want to see these two lead the way. I want to see them having the runway to be the two leading the way. I don’t need Embiid back in this series, even if he’s pushing to play or getting close to play, I’m good, big fella. I just want to roll with the kids. I don’t need it.”

Joel Embiid Returned To The Sixers

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a foul during the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 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)

To no surprise, the Sixers weren’t taking advice from a local radio show.

Once Embiid got cleared by the medical team to play in Game 4, the 1-2 76ers hoped that the star center’s return could be a major difference-maker. Unfortunately, the Sixers came up way short in Game 4.

Heading into Game 5 on the road in Boston, the Sixers’ backs were against the wall. Not much was working in the first half, and the Celtics had clear control of the game.

The 76ers had plenty of adjustments to make in the second half, and Embiid did what he needed to do to find success in crunch time. The star center turned in one of his most impressive playoff sequences to date.

In 39 minutes, Embiid scored 33 points. He had eight assists, four rebounds and one block. The 76ers kept the series alive with a 113-97 win.

Is It Apology Time?

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a basket 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)

“I’m reading a Magic Johnson tweet here in front of me; he apologized to the Sixers,” Giglio said. “Do I owe Joel an apology?”

With some back-and-forth discussion, Giglio and his co-host, Hugh Douglas, ultimately landed on no. The duo needs to see more out of the 76ers before apologies are generated.

“He’s still a gifted scorer–he’ll be able to put the ball in the basket until his career is over–he’s great at that. Giglio explained. “He’s among the most efficient scorers and prolific scorers ever. I mean, that’s who he is. I’m not surprised he could score. Apology? Feels a little strong. Maybe get this to a Game 7 and then [I’ll apologize].”

The Sixers will force that scenario with a win on Thursday night at home. We’ll see if Embiid can make radio hosts walk back their statements.