Will Joel Embiid play against the Celtics on Christmas Day? Latest injury update

Joel Embiid is listed as available for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Christmas Day clash with the Boston Celtics, as the Pennsylvanians bid to continue their recent run of improved form and edge closer to NBA postseason contention.

What injuries has Embiid been battling?

Embiid has endured an injury-hit season so far, appearing in just eight out of 27 games. In addition to managing an ongoing knee issue, he suffered a right sinus fracture against the Indiana Pacers on December 13.

However, having initially been expected to miss at least three games due to the sinus damage, Embiid sat out just one evening’s action before making his comeback in Philadelphia’s win over the Charlotte Hornets on December 20.

The 2023 MVP’s earlier-than-expected return came after 76ers head coach Nick Nurse revealed to reporters that the sinus fracture is “not nearly as severe” as previous facial injuries suffered by the Cameroonian-American center.

Wearing a protective mask, Embiid registered 34 points and nine assists in the 76ers’ 108-98 victory over the Hornets, before being rested against the Cleveland Cavaliers the following day. The seven-time All-Star was then back on court for Monday’s 111-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

According to the NBA’s official injury report for the 76ers’ matchup with the Celtics today, Embiid will continue to sport a mask at TD Garden.

Philadelphia 76ers’ full injury report vs Boston Celtics

Joel Embiid (right sinus, fracture): available

Andre Drummond (left toe, sprain): questionable

Eric Gordon (left oral, surgery): probable

KJ Martin (left foot, stress reaction): out

Jared McCain (left knee, meniscus surgery): out

76ers vs Celtics: when, where, how to watch?

The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Boston Celtics today, Wednesday December 25, 2024, with tip-off at TD Garden scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT. Viewers in the United States can watch the game on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+.

If you don’t have cable, you can tune in to ABC and ESPN on the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial.

What is the 76ers’ record in 2024-25?

The 76ers are 10-17 and, with only the 12th-best record in the Eastern Conference, are currently outside of the playoff picture. However, Nurse’s men have enjoyed an improved sequence of results in recent weeks: having been 3-14 after a November 27 defeat to the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

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