Joel Embiid was back in the Sixers’ lineup Sunday night after undergoing an appendectomy a little over two weeks ago.
The Sixers announced that Embiid would be in the starting five for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Celtics approximately 30 minutes before tip-off. Kelly Oubre Jr. was also available for Game 4 after initially being listed as questionable with right adductor soreness. Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George rounded out the Sixers’ starters.
Embiid’s Recovery and Preparation
Embiid had an appendectomy on April 9 in Houston. He’d first been listed as doubtful for Game 4, although history has shown that it’s not uncommon for the seven-time All-Star to be upgraded late and in dramatic fashion. 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 Sixers
With Adem Bona and Andre Drummond manning the centre spot, the Sixers lost Game 3 and fell into a 2-1 series deficit. Though conditioning will surely be a factor, Embiid will presumably bring more to the table than the Bona-Drummond tandem. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists over 38 regular-season games.
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.