On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers will host the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.
The 76ers are coming off a 108-100 loss (at home) in Game 3.
They now trail the series 2-1.
Philadelphia 76ers Announce Joel Embiid News
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks to media at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on October 19, 2021 in Camden, New Jersey.
UPDATE: Embiid is doubtful for Sunday.
So far, the 76ers have been without 2023 MVP Joel Embiid.
That said, there is hope he could return soon.
On Saturday, head coach Nick Nurse announced the latest update on Embiid.
Tony Jones of The Athletic wrote: “Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse said Joel Embiid is doing individual work on the court. The Sixers should know more for his Game 4 status by the end of shootaround tomorrow morning”
Embiid finished the regular season with averages of 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 48.9% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range in 38 games.
He last played in a game on April 6.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps wrote (before Game 3): “Joel Embiid has been ruled out for tonight’s game, per a team spokesperson. Embiid has been working hard to return to play, including intensifying his on court work. He met with medical staff this afternoon and while doctors are pleased with his progress just two weeks removed from surgery, he has not yet been cleared to play.”
Looking At The 76ers
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse talks to the team during a timeout during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The 76ers finished the regular season as the seventh seed with a 45-37 record.
They are 23-19 in the 42 games they have played at home.
So far, the 76ers have been able to keep the series competitive without Embiid.
Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe wrote after Game 3: “#Celtics get a gritty 108-100 win over the #76ers, Jayson Tatum with a pair of 3-pointers in the final 1:57 to seal it. BOS leads series 2-1. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 for PHL but just 2 in the final 8:42. He looked exhausted. Brown 25, Pritchard 15, Vucevic 11, White 11.”
GettyTyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court after the game against the Boston Celtics during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100.
While Embiid has had a Hall of Fame career in Philadelphia, the 76ers have been unable to reach the Eastern Conference finals during his tenure with the franchise.
Right now, they have a talented roster that also features Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and V. J. Edgecombe.
Getting Embiid back in action would make things very interesting if they can tie up the series at 2-2.
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Last season, the 76ers missed the 2025 NBA playoffs after dealing with injuries.
They last made the second round during the 2023 season.
UPDATE: Philadelphia 76ers Announce Joel Embiid News Before Celtics Game 4