{"id":406000,"date":"2026-04-23T00:40:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T00:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/406000\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T00:40:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T00:40:20","slug":"76ers-urged-to-keep-joel-embiid-out-vs-celtics-after-big-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/406000\/","title":{"rendered":"76ers Urged to Keep Joel Embiid Out vs Celtics After Big Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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)<\/p>\n

Two games in, and the Philadelphia 76ers have the first-round series against the Boston Celtics<\/a> tied 1-1. Joel Embiid has yet to step foot on the court since the postseason started with a Play-In game last week.<\/p>\n

Recently, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis. After undergoing surgery, the Sixers missed the veteran center for the final three games of the season. He also missed the Play-In game, along with two matchups against the Celtics.<\/p>\n

Despite their superstar\u2019s absence, the Sixers took care of business against the Celtics on Tuesday. They tied the series up with a big game from VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.<\/p>\n

As the young backcourt continues to show impressive flashes, one notable radio host in Philadelphia made his feelings clear on a possible Embiid return to action.<\/p>\n

via SportsRadioWIP<\/a>: Joe Giglio says he does NOT want to see Joel Embiid return for this series. \ud83e\udd14<\/p>\n

Joe Giglio says he does NOT want to see Joel Embiid return for this series. \ud83e\udd14 <\/p>\n

Why Joel Embiid Shouldn\u2019t Return\"Joel<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks<\/a> at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 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)<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to see Joel Embiid come back in this series,\u201d he started.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to see it. I\u2019m 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\u2019t need Embiid back in this series, even if he\u2019s pushing to play or getting close to play, I\u2019m good, big fella. I just want to roll with the kids. I don\u2019t need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true that if Embiid were to make his way back out on the floor for the Sixers, he would instantly eat into touches for Edgecombe and take away shots from Maxey. At the same time, Embiid is one of the best scorers in the NBA<\/a> when healthy. It would be foolish to keep the ball out of his hands.<\/p>\n

Clearly, Giglio doesn\u2019t want the Sixers in a position where they see Edgecombe take a backseat. He\u2019s willing to live with the results as long as it means not doing the same thing over again.<\/p>\n

What Are Joel Embiid\u2019s Chances Of Returning?\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks<\/a> 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)<\/p>\n

Recently, Embiid started strength and conditioning, which is a critical next step in his recovery. However, the Sixers still haven\u2019t revealed an actual timeline for his return.<\/p>\n

Many doctors without direct involvement estimated his recovery timetable could be anywhere between two and four weeks. Thursday, April 23, marks two weeks since the surgery. May 7 is the four-week mark.<\/p>\n

As time passes, and Embiid hasn\u2019t started ramping up basketball activity, his chances of playing in the first round seem to be fading. Until the Sixers offer another update, Embiid\u2019s chances of returning remain unclear.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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