Philadelphia center Joel Embiid has been moved to “doubtful” for Friday’s Game 3 against Boston, head coach Nick Nurse confirmed after Thursday’s workout.
Embiid completed a limited portion of practice—“a little more than a walkthrough,” according to Nurse. “We’ll know a lot more by the end of today,” the coach said. “The workload is increasing a bit and we need to see how he responds. He wants to play and we want him to play, and there’s progress.”
The reigning MVP has been sidelined since Apr. 6 following emergency surgery for appendicitis. The first-round series is tied 1-1 entering Friday’s contest in Philadelphia.
Edgecombe Becomes Youngest With 30-10 Playoff Line
Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe delivered 30 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2, becoming the youngest player ever to reach those totals in a postseason game and surpassing Magic Johnson’s long-standing mark. He is also the first rookie to post a 30-10 playoff stat line since Tim Duncan in 1998.
“Everyone can make a play out there, so we kept trusting each other,” Edgecombe said. “I was open, they wanted me to shoot, and it wouldn’t have been right if I didn’t.”
George Embracing Third-Star Role
Paul George, signed last offseason to form a three-star core with Embiid and VJ Edgecombe, played the stabilizer in Game 2. “When they go on a run or we need a basket, I feel I can get my shot or create for others and settle us down,” George said.
Draft Outlook at No. 22
Philadelphia holds the 22nd selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. President Daryl Morey has never shied from trade scenarios, but if the team keeps the pick, internal discussions have centered on adding size at power forward or center.
Source: Hoops Rumors
