Joel Embiid made his return to the Sixers’ lineup against the Celtics on Sunday night, a little over two weeks after undergoing an appendectomy.
The announcement came roughly 30 minutes before tip-off, confirming Embiid would start Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Celtics. Kelly Oubre Jr. was also available for Game 4.
Embiid’s Recovery and Preparation
Embiid had an appendectomy on April 9 in Houston. He’d first been listed as doubtful for Game 4. He ran through his typical pregame workout on the Xfinity Mobile Arena floor approximately 45 minutes before the game.
Embiid was a partial participant in the Sixers’ practice Thursday and had ramped up his on-court activity in recent days. He did an individual workout Saturday at the Sixers’ practice facility. Justin Edwards said Sunday morning that Embiid was part of the Sixers’ walkthrough at shootaround.
Impact on the Series
With Adem Bona and Andre Drummond manning the center spot, the Sixers lost Game 3 and fell into a 2-1 series deficit.
The Celtics bench showed up big time as the Sixers mistakes add up.
Embiid will presumably bring more to the table than the Bona-Drummond tandem, though conditioning will surely be a factor. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists over 38 regular-season games.
Embiid’s History of Returning Mid-Series
Sunday’s return marks the fourth time Embiid has come back from injury to join a series in progress.
He also did so during the 2018, 2022 and 2023 playoffs.
Along with Embiid, the Sixers’ starters for Game 4 included Kelly Oubre Jr., Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George.