The Philadelphia 76ers have remained competitive this postseason despite missing their franchise cornerstone, but getting Joel Embiid back could completely shift the series.
Down in the first-round series against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia still needs three wins to advance, and the presence of the 2023 MVP would be a massive boost. Ahead of Game 4 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, there is cautious optimism, though nothing close to certainty.
What Is Joel Embiid’s Status for Tonight?
The Sixers have once again battled injuries all season, with Embiid appearing in just 38 regular-season games. His latest setback came after being diagnosed with appendicitis earlier this month in Houston, and it required emergency surgery.
Since then, he has missed the Play-In Tournament and the first three games of this series. Following the 76ers’ Game 3 loss to the Celtics, head coach Nick Nurse provided an update on Saturday about Embiid, via The Athletic’s Tony Jones.
NBA insider Shams Charania has revealed that the star big man would be returning for Game 4 against the C’s tonight.
Initially, the official injury report listed Embiid as doubtful for the game, indicating a very low chance he would suit up. It is quite impressive that he has recovered from his appendicitis surgery after just two weeks, indicating his resilience to get out on the floor for Philly’s sake.
Embiid last played on April 6 before being sidelined by appendicitis on April 9. His return would provide a significant boost to Philadelphia’s chances of tying the series at 2-2.
During the regular season, he averaged 26.9 points on 48.9% shooting, including 33.3% from 3-point range, along with 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 31.6 minutes per game.
The impact goes beyond the box score. The 76ers were plus-5.8 points per 100 possessions with Embiid on the floor during the regular season, with most of that advantage coming offensively. Even at less than full strength, he elevates the team. His return would undoubtedly improve the 76ers’ chances of making a deeper playoff run.
In his absence, the team has leaned on increased contributions from rookie V.J. Edgecombe, who led the Sixers with 30 points, shooting 12-of-20 from the field and 6-of-10 from 3, along with 10 rebounds in Game 2.
The Celtics enter Game 4 as heavy favorites, having won the last two games by double digits. Boston’s defense has been suffocating without Embiid to anchor Philadelphia’s offense, holding the Sixers to under 100 points in back-to-back games. A sweep would mark Philadelphia’s earliest postseason exit since 2020.
