Is Joel Embiid playing tonight? 76ers vs. Celtics time, TV channel and live stream for Game 3 of NBA Playoffs

Sam Jarden

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Is Joel Embiid playing tonight? 76ers vs. Celtics time, TV channel and live stream for Game 3 of NBA Playoffs image

After stealing a win in Boston in Game 1, the 76ers were disappointingly blown out in Game 2. 

Despite the return of MVP Joel Embiid, Philadelphia had no answer for the Celtics' red-hot shooting from beyond the arc in a 121-87 loss. With the series now tied at one game apiece, it will shift to the City of Brotherly Love for the next two games.

Embiid was clearly not playing at 100 percent in his first game back after missing the last two playoff matchups. He was seen wearing a large brace on his right knee as he continues to recover from an LCL sprain.

With the momentum firmly on the Celtics' side after their big win last time out, Embiid will need to bounce back quickly. Here's a look at his injury status heading into Game 3 on Friday night.

Is Joel Embiid playing vs. Celtics tonight?

After initially being listed as questionable, Embiid is available for Game 3 and will start.

The newly-crowned MVP has been dealing with a sprained LCL in his right knee, but he's playing through it with his team's season on the line. He was able to suit up in Game 2 on Wednesday but he didn't live up to his usual high standards, finishing with just 15 points and three rebounds. After the game, he described his performance as "rusty."

"I wasn’t as aggressive," Embiid said after the game, per John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "Not myself. We got this out of the way. This is a step to getting back to being myself.”

We'll see if he looks any sharper heading into Game 3 after just one day of rest. 

What time is Celtics vs. 76ers tonight?

  • Date: Friday, May 5
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT

Game 3 of Celtics vs. 76ers will officially begin at around 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 5, from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

What channel is Celtics vs. 76ers on?

Fans can tune into Friday's Game 3 clash between Boston and Philadelphia on ESPN. Fans in the US will also be able to stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

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Celtics vs. 76ers odds

After a dominant win in Game 2, the Celtics are currently slight favorites on the road in Game 3.

  Celtics 76ers
Spread -1.5 +1.5
Moneyline -115 -105

Odds courtesy of BetMGM.

Celtics vs. 76ers schedule

Here is the complete schedule for the second-round series between Boston and Philadelphia, including start times and TV channels for each game.

Date Game Time (ET)/Result TV channel
May 1 Game 1 76ers 119, Celtics 115 TNT
May 3 Game 2 Celtics 121, 76ers 87 TNT
May 5 Game 3 7:30 p.m. at 76ers ESPN
May 7 Game 4 3:30 p.m. at 76ers ESPN
May 9 Game 5* TBD at Celtics TNT
May 11 Game 6* TBD at 76ers ESPN
May 14 Game 7* TBD at Celtics ABC or TNT

*If necessary 

Sam Jarden

Sam Jarden Photo

Sam Jarden joined Sporting News as an intern in 2020 and returned as a content producer in 2022. In between, he spent a year and a half at Turner Sports, managing the social media accounts for Bleacher Report, NBA on TNT, NBA TV and others. A proud UNC alumnus, he spends his free time following the Tar Heels, Buffalo Bills and Newcastle United FC, and has been known to occasionally hit the links.