Nurse says Embiid progressing, but Sixers still unsure about Game 3 availability
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Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Thursday that star center Joel Embiid is making strides after undergoing an appendectomy in early April, but he stopped short of projecting when the reigning MVP will return to the floor.
“He wants to play, and we want him to play,” Nurse told reporters, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I don’t know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there’s some progress being made.”
Nurse added the coaching staff hoped to have a clearer picture later in the day, though he declined to detail Embiid’s participation level in Thursday’s light walkthrough. The session was described as little more than a film review and on-court walkthrough, offering no definitive clues about Embiid’s readiness.
The update comes as the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Boston Celtics shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday night. The series is tied 1-1 after the Sixers stunned Boston with a Game 2 victory at TD Garden despite Embiid’s absence.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe said having Embiid around the team has been uplifting, noting he is primarily checking on the center’s well-being rather than pressing for a return date. Guard Tyrese Maxey paced the offense in Game 2, complementing Edgecombe’s breakout performance to even the series.
Whether Embiid can suit up Friday remains the pivotal question. If he is cleared, Philadelphia’s postseason outlook could shift dramatically; if not, the Sixers have already shown they can compete without their franchise cornerstone.
Source: Hoops Wire
