Embiid returns for Game 4 as 76ers face Celtics in playoffs 2026

Joel Embiid makes a surprise return to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics after emergency surgery.

Embiid's return confirmed late Joel Embiid is set to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics on Sunday night. Two and a half weeks ago, he underwent an emergency appendectomy in Houston. Initially listed as doubtful for both Game 3 on Friday night and Sunday's Game 4, his status was upgraded to questionable just over an hour before tip-off. Less than 30 minutes before the game began, he was declared available and returned to his usual starting role, replacing second-year center Adem Bona. ## Uncertainty over playing time remains It is still uncertain how much Embiid, who turns 32, will be able to play during the game. He started a strength and conditioning routine in Philadelphia last Monday, missing the first two matchups of this series in Boston—where the teams split results. Even though team medical staff were satisfied with his recovery before Game 3, including limited participation in practices on Thursday and shootarounds on Friday, he was ruled out roughly two hours before tip-off. On Sunday morning, he joined the shootaround once more and received final clearance to play. ## History of postseason health issues The emergency appendectomy adds to a long list of health problems Embiid has faced in past playoff runs. Since 2020, when Philadelphia was eliminated in the Orlando bubble without winning a game, he has missed time due to injury in every postseason appearance. This season's surgery follows other setbacks including Bell's palsy during the first-round series against the New York Knicks two years ago, a late-season knee injury that season, a right knee sprain in 2023, orbital bone fractures in both 2022 and 2018, a meniscus injury in 2021, and knee tendinitis in 2019. ## Season statistics and context Over this season, Embiid appeared in 38 games, averaging 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest. His return provides a major boost to the 76ers' playoff hopes as they face the Celtics in a pivotal Game 4. The series outcome hangs in the balance with Embiid back on the court after a brief but eventful recovery period.