76ers star Joel Embiid upgraded to available for Game 4 vs. Celtics

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76ers star Joel Embiid upgraded to available for Game 4 vs. Celtics

Brian Robb, Souichi Terada · MassLive

Sun, Apr 26, 2026 ·

2 min read

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PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers upgraded star center Joel Embiid from doubtful to questionable to available in the final hours before their Game 4 matchup against the Celtics on Sunday. Embiid has not played this series as he recovers from an appendectomy procedure April 9. Embiid will start Sunday’s game.

Embiid returns to the court a little more than two weeks after the operation. He was doubtful ahead of Game 3 of the first-round series before eventually being downgraded to out. Embiid took part in warmups Sunday before the team eventually made him available for the game.

Embiid took part in the Sixers shootaround on Sunday and parts of practice last week, according to coach Nick Nurse, inching toward a return. The team has started Adem Bona at center in his place with Andre Drummond also seeing heavy minutes against Boston . It’s unclear how much Embiid will play even with him available Sunday.

The Celtics currently hold a 2-1 series lead, including winning Game 3 in Philly . The Sixers have played the C’s tough in the past two games, which includes a double-digit Game 2 victory. Embiid returning gives the 76ers another option at the big man spot, though it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be following the layoff.

Embiid has not played since April 6 but the Celtics spoke about the big man at Saturday’s practice as a potential return approached. When Embiid has played this season, it’s been at an All-Star level. At the same time, it’ll be tough for Embiid to play effectively coming off the operation.

“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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