The Boston Celtics will open their first-round playoff series against a Philadelphia 76ers team missing its biggest star. The 76ers have officially ruled former MVP Joel Embiid out for Game 1 on Sunday as he continues his recovery from a recent appendectomy.

Embiid underwent surgery on April 9th and has been sidelined since, though he was present on the bench for Philadelphia's play-in tournament victory over Orlando. His status for the remainder of the series remains a major question mark, with head coach Nick Nurse offering no timeline beyond confirming his star center will not suit up for the series opener. "I'm preparing for Sunday's game, and I know he's not playing in that one," Nurse stated, focusing his team on the immediate challenge.

This is a familiar, if daunting, scenario for the Sixers. Embiid, who averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds this season, was limited to just 38 regular-season games. In his absence, Philadelphia will rely heavily on the center tandem of veteran Andre Drummond and rookie Adem Bona to battle Boston's formidable frontcourt.

Despite the significant absence, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is preparing for a tough battle. He highlighted how Philadelphia's supporting cast has grown through adversity. "They're a very, very well-balanced team," Mazzulla said, praising the play of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and role players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and De'Anthony Melton. "I think they're playing some of their best basketball as they get healthier."

Game 1 tips off at TD Garden on Sunday at 1 p.m., setting the stage for a high-stakes series where Philadelphia's resilience will be tested from the opening possession.