Joel Embiid Cleared for 76ers Season Opener Against Celtics in Boston

Joel Embiid is set to play in the Philadelphia 76ers' 2025-26 season opener against the Boston Celtics, marking his first regular-season game since February after recovering from left knee arthroscopic surgery. Embiid recently returned to the court during the preseason, showcasing improved performance compared to his injury-plagued 2024-25 season, where he only appeared in 19 games. The Sixers will start Embiid alongside Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre, and Adem Bona, with Edgecombe also making his regular-season debut. While Embiid is healthy, the team plans to manage his minutes carefully, potentially limiting him in back-to-back games to preserve his health throughout the season. Other notable absences for the Sixers include Paul George, recovering from surgery, Jared McCain, and Trendon Watford. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum will miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles, and Jaylen Brown is questionable with a hamstring strain.