The NBA playoffs are built on star power, and a major cloud of uncertainty hangs over the first-round clash between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. According to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sixers are "preparing for battle" against the Celtics without their reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, at least to start the series this Sunday.

Embiid's status is in serious doubt after he underwent an appendectomy just over a week ago, forcing him to miss Philadelphia's critical Play-In game. Charania emphasized that the superstar center is still very much in the recovery phase, noting that a return to the court requires not just healing from surgery but a separate rehabilitation process for basketball activity.

This scenario feels hauntingly familiar for Philadelphia. The last time these two rivals met in the postseason was in 2023, and Embiid also missed Game 1 of that second-round series due to a knee injury. His potential absence reshapes the entire dynamic of the matchup, placing an immense burden on the shoulders of All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and veteran forward Paul George to carry the offensive load.

Meanwhile, the top-seeded Celtics, led by the perennial All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, will look to capitalize on any vulnerability. If Embiid is sidelined, it would be a monumental challenge for the Sixers to overcome Boston's depth and star power, setting the stage for a dramatic and physical series opener where every possession will be crucial.