Michael Kaskey-Blomain•Add The Sporting News on GoogleThe Philadelphia 76ers were without star center Joel Embiid for the first two games of their first-round series with the rival Boston Celtics, and it remains to be seen when the star center will be able to return to game action after undergoing an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago. But, the former MVP took a major step towards a return for Philadelphia ahead of Game 3 on Friday night. On Thursday, Embiid participated in parts of Sixers practice, which represents the first time that he has done so since surgery. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said that the practice was a light one, but the fact that Embiid was able to participate at all is encouraging. Embiid is almost assuredly be ruled out of Game 3 on Friday night, and it also seems unlikely that he would be cleared to play by Game 4 on Sunday. Game 5 of the series is set for Tuesday, so perhaps Embiid would be able to play in that game if he continues to trend in the right direction. This story will be updated. More Philadelphia 76ers news: Philadelphia 76ers' star named finalist for major NBA awardLeBron James compares Philadelphia 76ers to popular comic book villainSpurs starter gives 76ers major backhanded compliment for releasing himFormer Philadelphia 76ers head coach headed to Basketball Hall of FamePhiladelphia 76ers star named one of the purest scorers in NBA historyENJOYED THIS STORY?Add Sporting News as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAdd as preferred source on GoogleMichael Kaskey-BlomainMichael Kaskey-Blomain is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an experienced sportswriter and media member with over a decade in the industry. He has covered the NBA and NFL for a variety of outlets, including CBS Sports, 247 Sports, FanSided and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Michael grew up just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Philadelphia.