Joel Embiid Injury Update: Is the 76ers Star Playing Tonight vs. Celtics?

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is expected to suit up on Tuesday night when the team faces the Boston Celtics. The reigning MVP has battled minor injuries early in the 2025–26 NBA season, but he is not listed on the team’s latest injury report, signaling that he will be available for the crucial home matchup.

This will be the third meeting of the season between the Sixers and Celtics, and Embiid has featured in both prior games. Despite a limited workload, the 30-year-old has remained one of the focal points of the Philadelphia offense as the team manages his minutes for long-term durability.

Joel Embiid’s Return Confirmed for Tuesday’s Game

According to team reports and major outlets, Joel Embiid will play against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. Embiid has appeared in six of the team’s first ten games this season, sitting out select contests as part of Philadelphia’s load management strategy. The organization continues to prioritize his health after multiple knee issues over the past two years.

Embiid has averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game so far, shooting 46% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. After a slow opening night against Boston, where he scored only four points, the big man rebounded with 20 points and six rebounds in their Halloween rematch. He’s scored 20 or more points in each of his last five appearances.

Although Embiid’s playing time remains capped around 25 minutes per game, head coach Nick Nurse has emphasized that the goal is to keep him healthy through the postseason. The Sixers currently stand at 6–4 after dropping three of their last four games, and a strong showing from Embiid could help reverse that trend.

Impact on Celtics vs. 76ers Matchup

Embiid’s confirmed presence alters the dynamics of the night’s game significantly. Philadelphia is listed as a narrow 1.5-point favorite, while the Celtics are slight underdogs on the moneyline. Both prior meetings between these rivals were decided by just one point, highlighting how much each team’s performance hinges on its star players.

Even with his limited minutes, Embiid’s ability to anchor the paint and stretch the floor changes Boston’s defensive approach. The Sixers will count on him to stabilize their offense against a Celtics team that has thrived in transition. Philadelphia fans are hopeful that a healthy Embiid will finally tilt the season series in their favor.

As of Tuesday afternoon, all signs point to Embiid being in uniform and ready to lead the 76ers at home against their Eastern Conference rivals.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Joel Embiid playing tonight against the Celtics?

Yes. Joel Embiid is expected to play tonight against the Boston Celtics. He is not on the team’s injury report.

Q2: What is Joel Embiid’s injury status for the 2025–26 season?

Embiid has missed a few games for rest and minor soreness but is not dealing with any major injuries currently.

Q3: How has Joel Embiid performed this season?

He is averaging 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while playing around 23 minutes per contest.

Q4: What’s the Sixers’ record this season?

The Philadelphia 76ers are 6–4 heading into their third matchup with the Boston Celtics.

Q5: How have previous Sixers vs. Celtics games gone this season?

Both earlier games were decided by just one point, with each team taking one win apiece.