Joel Embiid returns to 76ers for Game 4 against Celtics

Joel Embiid is back.The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers will play in Game 4 on Sunday night against the Boston Celtics, despite being listed as doubtful for much of the day. Embiid, who has been out for more than two weeks because of an emergency appendectomy, has missed the first three games of the series. The Sixers are down 2-1 and Sunday night’s matchup against Boston is critical. The Sixers will look to tie the series at home. Joel Embiid has been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE for tonight's Game 4 against Boston…… With the upgrade, he will likely take the floor to warm up with the intention of playing tonight — Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) April 26, 2026Embiid has been making steady progress toward a return. He was listed as doubtful for Friday night’s Game 3, but didn’t make it on the court, before being officially ruled out. He went through an intense on-court individual workout Saturday afternoon at Philadelphia’s practice facility. He participated in portions of shootaround before both Games 3 and 4.Averaging 26.9 points in 38 games this season, Embiid remains Philadelphia’s best offensive player. It remains to be seen how effective he will be, or how much he can even play. But Philadelphia needs his ability to make shots and generate offense against one of the best defenses in the NBA. Without him, a heavy load of responsibility has fallen on point guard Tyrese Maxey, small forward Paul George and rookie shooting guard VJ Edgecombe.