Joel Embiid scores 33 as 76ers beat Celtics 113-97 in Game 5 to keep their season alive Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid delivered a standout performance in his second return to the court since an emergency appendectomy sidelined him late in the regular season, helping the 76ers avoid elimination in their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. The Sixers’ center scored 33 points in a 113-97 victory over the Celtics in Game 5 on Tuesday night, keeping their season alive as they head to Game 6 in Philadelphia. Embiid, who had struggled with just two points in the first quarter on 1-of-6 shooting, dominated the second half, scoring 13 in the second, 10 in the third, and eight in the fourth. His performance was pivotal as the 76ers mounted a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to turn a three-point lead into a 15-point advantage. Tyrese Maxey, who contributed 25 points and 10 rebounds, praised Embiid’s impact, calling him “dominant” in the second half and highlighting his ability to “insert himself” in critical moments. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 24 points and 16 rebounds, held a 13-point lead early in the third quarter but saw the 76ers rally within a basket twice. Philadelphia’s 15-3 run in the third quarter brought them within one point of Boston, setting the stage for a decisive fourth quarter. Paul George added 16 points and nine rebounds for the 76ers, who had fallen behind 3-1 in the series after losing Games 3 and 4 at home. The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown acknowledged the challenge of containing Embiid, stating, “He had too many easy baskets. We’ve got to make him work.” Brown scored 22 points for Boston, which will try to eliminate the 76ers in Game 6 on Thursday night. If necessary, Game 7 would return to Boston on Saturday. The series context was shaped by the 76ers’ recent struggles.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid #76ers
76ers Force Game 7 with 106-93 Win Over Celtics in Playoff Thriller PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points, and Paul George added 23 as the Philadelphia 76ers delivered a statement performance in a 106-93 Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round series. The win, which came after the 76ers had lost two games by 32 points in the same series, marked their most complete game of the season and sent the series back to Boston tied at 3-3. The 76ers’ resurgence was fueled by Joel Embiid’s return from an appendectomy, which allowed the team to rebound from a pair of blowout losses. Embiid contributed 19 points in Game 6, while George, who had been sidelined for much of the season due to a 25-game suspension for failing a drug test, showcased his All-Star form with five three-pointers and a team-high 23 points. George’s leadership was critical, as he deferred to teammates when needed but still provided a spark for the offense. The game’s defining moment came in the third quarter when Kelly Oubre Jr. blocked Jaylen Brown’s shot, allowing Maxey to retrieve the ball and initiate a fast break. George then executed a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe, who finished with a thunderous dunk to give the 76ers a 69-54 lead. The play, which became a highlight of the series, energized the crowd and shifted momentum in Philadelphia’s favor. Boston’s Jaylen Brown struggled with foul trouble, collecting three early in the first half and finishing with 18 points. Jayson Tatum, returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon, added 17 points for the Celtics but left the game briefly in the third quarter for treatment on a calf injury.#joe_mazzulla #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid #paul_george #kelly_obre_jr
Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum Out for Game 7 vs. 76ers Due to Left Knee Stiffness Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been ruled out for Game 7 of the first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers after experiencing left knee stiffness. The decision comes as the Celtics face a critical moment in the series, having dropped two consecutive games after holding a 3-1 lead. Tatum’s absence will leave the team without one of its key players in a decisive matchup at TD Garden. Tatum, who sat out the entire fourth quarter of Game 6, was listed as “questionable” on the team’s Saturday injury report before being downgraded to “out” hours before the game. While Boston’s coaching staff initially downplayed the injury, Tatum himself described the issue as mere stiffness in his leg. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Tatum assured teammates he was fine and ready to play, but the Celtics ultimately decided to sit him for Game 7. The injury comes after Tatum returned from a season-ending right Achilles tendon tear sustained during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks last May. He made his comeback in March, playing 16 regular-season games for the Celtics, who secured the No. 2 seed in the East despite his absence for much of the 2025-26 campaign. In the playoffs, Tatum has averaged 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field, including 36.5% from beyond the arc. Tatum’s absence in Game 6 raised concerns among fans, particularly in Boston, but the team’s medical staff and coaching staff minimized the injury’s impact. Coach Joe Mazzulla denied that Tatum’s leg issue was an injury, and Tatum himself claimed it was temporary stiffness.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid
Tyrese Maxey’s latest playoff outburst made improbable Game 2 win possible BOSTON — Tyrese Maxey’s clutch performance in the fourth quarter of Game 2 propelled the Philadelphia 76ers to a 111-97 victory, sending the first-round playoff series back to Philadelphia tied at one game apiece. The 25-year-old guard scored 12 of his 29 points in the final six minutes, including two critical three-pointers, to secure the win against the Boston Celtics. The result marked a dramatic turnaround for the 76ers, who had struggled in Game 1 and appeared to be outmatched in the series. Maxey’s final stretch of play began with a pivotal moment midway through the fourth quarter. After the Celtics cut the 76ers’ lead to two points, Maxey drained consecutive three-pointers from the top of the key. He then walked to the corner of the court, his steely expression signaling his determination to close the game. Boston’s coach, Joe Mazzulla, later acknowledged the intensity of the moment, noting how Maxey’s focus shifted from his rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe to the broader team effort. Edgecombe, who had already delivered a standout performance with 30 points in Game 1, had done his part to set up Maxey’s heroics. By forcing Boston’s defense to prioritize him, Edgecombe freed up Maxey to take over the final stages of the game. The 76ers’ rookie also played a key role in getting Paul George, the veteran wing, involved early in the fourth quarter. This strategic adjustment allowed Maxey to capitalize on the Celtics’ defensive rotations, leading to his 12-point surge in the final six minutes. Maxey’s performance was a continuation of his impressive playoff run. Earlier in the 2022 postseason, he had dazzled with a 38-point game, complementing stars Joel Embiid and James Harden.#boston_celtics #joe_mazzulla #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #vj_edgecombe
Sixers Mailbag: Will Paul George's Post-Suspension Surge Make Him a Trade Asset in the Offseason? The 2025-26 Philadelphia 76ers season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with Paul George’s return from a 25-game suspension sparking renewed debate about his trade potential. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether George’s recent resurgence could position him as a valuable asset in the 2026 offseason. Despite his improved performance, the 35-year-old forward’s long-term viability as a trade piece remains uncertain due to his age, contract, and injury history. George’s post-suspension surge has been notable, with his physicality and scoring ability returning to pre-injury levels. However, his contract, which includes a $54.1 million salary in 2026-27 and a player option for $56.5 million in 2027-28, raises concerns about his value. Teams would need to justify paying for a player who may not play 70 games in a season, given his history of injuries and suspension. Analysts note that George’s recent track record of unavailability—missing over a quarter of the 2025-26 season due to suspension and prior injuries—casts doubt on his ability to meet the demands of a high-priced contract. The Sixers’ decision to retain George next season is seen as a strategic move, but the team’s financial flexibility is constrained by its projected salary cap situation. The 76ers are expected to exceed the cap in the 2026 offseason, but the NBA’s soft cap allows teams to surpass it without penalties. However, their ability to pursue high-profile free agents is limited, as their focus will likely remain on managing their existing roster. Key players like Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr., both unrestricted free agents, will be central to the team’s decisions.#philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #quintin_grimes #paul_george #kelly_obre_jr
Quentin Grimes Returns to Houston, Aims to Maximize 'Natural Self' in Sixers' Playoff Push HOUSTON — Quentin Grimes, the Sixers’ combo guard, is returning to his hometown of Houston with renewed focus on his role in the team’s postseason push. The 25-year-old player, who scored a career-high 46 points in a March 2025 overtime loss to the Rockets at the Toyota Center, is now a key contributor on a team vying for Eastern Conference playoff seeding. With three games remaining in the regular season, Grimes’ performance against the Rockets could prove pivotal in determining the Sixers’ postseason fate. Grimes’ return to Houston carries personal significance. His previous standout performance in the city came during a season when the Sixers were struggling, and he was their top offensive option. Now, the team has transformed into a contender, with a 43-36 record and a chance to secure a first-round series or navigate the play-in tournament. Grimes, who averages 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 72 games, acknowledges the shift in circumstances. “The whole year has asked for me to do different things,” he said, “but I feel like, when the whole team’s healthy, my natural self is still playing my same game.” The Sixers’ current roster includes Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr., all of whom are reintegrating into the lineup. Grimes, however, has faced challenges maintaining consistency. After consecutive quiet outings—going scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting in a recent home loss to the Pistons and totaling five points on 2-of-7 shooting in a game against the Spurs—he aims to regain his rhythm. “I hope to get myself going early against the Rockets,” he said, emphasizing his desire to return to “attack mode.” Grimes’ approach to the game involves staying mentally and physically prepared.#tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid #houston #quentin_grimes #sixers
Sixers Injury Updates: Coach Nick Nurse Provides Latest on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey As the Philadelphia 76ers enter the final 10 games of the 2025-26 season, the team is hopeful that key players will return to full health in time to strengthen their playoff chances. With the goal of securing a guaranteed postseason berth, the 76ers face critical decisions regarding the availability of their star players. Paul George is set to rejoin the team on Wednesday after serving a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. However, the focus remains on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, both of whom have been sidelined due to injuries. Embiid, who last played on February 26, has been dealing with a right oblique strain. His return is crucial for the team’s success in the final stretch of the season. Coach Nick Nurse provided updates on Embiid’s progress, stating that the player participated in a workout session on Monday as part of the shootaround. Nurse noted that Embiid had a “decent workout” and was later involved in a more intense session the following day. The coach emphasized that the team will monitor Embiid’s condition closely, with further assessments planned as the season progresses. Tyrese Maxey, who has been out since March 7 due to a right finger tendon strain, is scheduled for a re-evaluation at the end of March. During Monday’s shootaround, Maxey was observed using his right hand, indicating some progress in his recovery. Nurse described Maxey’s efforts as “pretty good,” highlighting that the player has been working hard with mostly left-handed drills but has also taken some shots with his right hand. A follow-up evaluation is expected by the weekend or early next week, with the team aiming to reach the three-week mark in his recovery timeline.#philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #joel_embiid #nick_nurse #right_oblique_strain
Philadelphia 76ers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report The Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers face off on March 9, 2026, with both teams navigating injury challenges that shape their lineups and strategies. The 76ers are missing several key players, including Tyrese Maxey, who remains sidelined with a sprained finger, and rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, recovering from a back injury. Johni Broome is also out after knee surgery for a lateral meniscus tear. Joel Embiid’s availability is critical, as he is listed as questionable with a rib injury, and his status will dictate how the 76ers approach the game. Kelly Oubre Jr. is cleared to play after overcoming a knee issue, while the rest of the roster is expected to be available, including Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Quentin Grimes. The Cavaliers, while healthier than the 76ers, still face absences in the frontcourt and wing positions. Evan Mobley is out with a calf injury, and Max Strus is recovering from foot surgery following a Jones fracture. Sam Merrill is sidelined with a sprained hand, and Jarrett Allen is likely out due to a knee issue. Without Mobley and Allen, Cleveland will rely more on Thomas Bryant and smaller lineups. The available rotation includes Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Darius Brown, with frontcourt options like Larry Nance Jr. and Dean Wade stepping in. Philadelphia’s offense will depend heavily on Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. in the absence of Maxey. If Embiid plays, he will remain the focal point of the attack and defense, but his absence could shift the focus to George, who may take on more ball-handling duties. The 76ers’ bench includes Cameron Payne, Kyle Lowry, and Trendon Watford, giving Coach Nick Nurse flexibility to adjust lineups.#cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #tyrese_maxey #johni_broome #joel_embiid
