76ers vs. Celtics: Joel Embiid's Playing Status for Game 3

The Philadelphia 76ers will enter their Game 3 matchup against the Boston Celtics fully healthy on Friday night. For the second-straight game, the Sixers have cleared their MVP center Joel Embiid for action.

Lately, Embiid’s been dealing with a knee sprain, which occurred during the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Although Embiid finished the Game 3 matchup against the Nets, an MRI the following day revealed he was dealing with a sprained LCL.

The Sixers didn’t hesitate to rule out Embiid for the Game 4 elimination matchup against the Nets. Philadelphia defeated Brooklyn in Embiid’s absence and were unsure whether or not they would get the big man back in time for the start of the second-round series against the Boston Celtics.

Leading up to Game 1, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers labeled Embiid as doubtful for the matchup. Although the Sixers left the door open for a potential return in Game 1, the Sixers ultimately ruled out Embiid on Monday night.

Even without the star center on the court, the Sixers found a way to defeat the Celtics and steal Game 1 on the road. The following day, Doc Rivers considered Embiid doubtful for Game 2. However, his status was upgraded on the day of the matchup.

Hours before the Sixers tipped off Game 2 against Boston, Embiid’s status changed to questionable. He warmed up with the intention of playing. Eventually, Embiid was cleared for action.

Although the Sixers didn’t intend to give Embiid a minutes restriction, the big man played for just 26 minutes on Wednesday. As the Sixers came up short to the Celtics in blowout fashion, the Sixers threw in the towel early and started focusing on Game 3.

“It felt pretty good to play,” Embiid said after the matchup. “I feel like I can help the team defensively and offensively. Obviously, offensively, I wasn’t as aggressive. I was just trying to let the game come to me. Then defensively, I just protected the rim. I did a fine job when it comes to that. I just felt like being up 1-0 and just having the chance to go up 2-0 against this type of team, I knew they were going to come at us. I expected it, but anything can happen.”

Embiid entered the Game 3 matchup at home listed as questionable on the injury report. Fortunately, he didn’t deal with any setbacks in-between games. Now, he’s cleared for action and set to start for Game 3, which takes place at 7:30 PM ET.