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Joel Embiid says he couldn't walk in early April

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics are fighting for their season.

In a chippy Game 7, the two Atlantic Division rivals are getting heated in the final half of the matchup. Throughout the second half, 76ers star Joel Embiid and Celtics star Jaylen Brown exchanged words on numerous occasions.

Full Court Pass on X: Joel Embiid tells Jaylen Brown he can’t guard him 🍿

The situation escalated a bit during the fourth quarter, when Embiid was hit with a technical foul due to a “hostile act.”

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers pumps up the crowd during the first half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 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)

After Brown powered through Paul George’s defense, the veteran forward attacked the basket in an attempt to score. Embiid flew over and attempted to block the shot. Brown took a hard fall after the contact and was down for a bit, grabbing at his knee.

via Legion Hoops on X: Joel Embiid gets a tech for pushing Jaylen Brown in mid-air.

Fortunately for the Celtics, Brown didn’t have to leave the game early. The star forward continued playing, giving the Celtics a chance to get hot down the stretch, in an attempt to complete a comeback.

The Celtics Are Down A Star

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. 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)

During the Sixers-Celtics Game 6 battle in South Philadelphia, the star forward left the game early due to tightness in his calf. The Celtics wouldn’t bring Tatum back into the game.

Although the initial injury report didn’t include Tatum on Friday night, the Celtics added him on Saturday afternoon. Tatum was listed as questionable due to knee stiffness. Eventually, he was ruled out for the Game 7 matchup.

Despite the absence of Tatum, the Celtics have been putting up a solid fight. The comeback attempt is unsurprisingly led by the star forward, Brown.