76ers injury report: Joel Embiid unlikely to play in Game 4 against Celtics

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76ers injury report: Joel Embiid unlikely to play in Game 4 against Celtics

Souichi Terada · MassLive

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 ·

2 min read

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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid remains doubtful on the Sixers injury report ahead of Game 4 against the Celtics at 7 p.m. Sunday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid was doubtful ahead of Game 3 on Friday then was downgraded to out. The former MVP is still recovering from his appendectomy procedure a couple weeks ago. Kelly Oubre is also questionable with right adductor soreness for the Sixers.

There was some optimism Embiid could return for the 76ers at some point this series. Sixers coach Nick Nurse said Embiid participated in some parts of practice last Thursday, then he was upgraded to doubtful. But Embiid remains doubtful for a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday. Game 5 is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday in Boston .

"Just not ready," Sixers coach Nick Nurse said of Embiid ahead of Game 3. "He's lifted some. He's gotten on the court a bit. But we're still at two weeks and a day I think, so just not ready yet."

The Celtics lead the Sixers 2-1 in the first-round series courtesy of some clutch-time heroics from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the Game 3 victory . While the C's were upset on their home court in Game 2, they snatched back home-court advantage by beating the 76ers on the road in Philly.

Embiid's return could be a huge boost for Philadelphia, though he hasn't played since earlier this month. He underwent an emergency appendectomy procedure April 9 and hasn't suited up since then. The Celtics have said they haven't started to prepare for the big man considering he's been out for the past couple weeks.

The Sixers have shown they can hang with the Celtics after they got blown out in Game 1 to open the playoffs. While Philly kept it close against Boston in Game 3, the C's pulled away with impressive shot-making down the stretch. The Sixers will look to bounce back and protect their home court for Game 4 on Sunday.

"One of the best players of the last couple of years," Neemias Queta said of Embiid. "It can only be better for them if he's out there and helping them. Not really worried about that yet. Nothing confirmed about it yet. Until then, we're worried about what's confirmed. But he's a hell of a player and can make them a lot better. We'll embrace the challenge if he comes."

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