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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 19: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks to media at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on October 19, 2021 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers are moving on to the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. After beating the Boston Celtics, Joel Embiid took to social media to send a message to Boston Celtics fans.

via Joel Embiid on X: ROUND 1 ✅ Boston, please be classy my friends! I still love and respect you!!

Embiid’s social media message came after a night that was filled with negative chants aimed specifically at the star center, as the Sixers worked on forming their comeback from a 1-3 deficit.

The Sixers defeated the Celtics with a score of 109-100.

Despite trailing against the Celtics in the series at 1-3 in the first game, Embiid was back, and the 76ers found their footing at the right time.

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Embiid and the Sixers went on the road for Game 5 and formed a comeback win to force Game 6. When the series went back to Philly for the final time, the 76ers dominated Boston to pick up Game 7.

On Saturday, Embiid checked in for 39 minutes. He shot 12-26 from the field, and 9-11 from the charity stripe in order to score 34 points. The star center picked up a double-double with 12 rebounds and dished out six assists.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 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)

It’s been a tough road for Embiid, who had a bout with appendicitis during the final week of the 2025-2026 regular season. The superstar center underwent surgery and missed the final few games, along with the NBA Play-In battle, plus three playoff games against the Celtics.

Now, Embiid anticipates being healthy enough to compete against the Knicks in round two. The series will begin on Monday, May 4, in New York City.