The Philadelphia 76ers are back on their home court at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday night for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics.
Through the first three games of the series, the Sixers played without the star big man, Joel Embiid. Before the conclusion of the 2025-2026 regular season, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis. He underwent surgery and missed the final three games of the regular season.
Since then, the Sixers have competed in three playoff games and an NBA Play-In Tournament matchup.
Before the Sixers took on the Celtics in Game 3, Embiid was upgraded on the injury report to doubtful. It was the first time in two weeks that his status was changed. Before the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the state of the star center.
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the game at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
“Just not ready, right?” Nurse said. “I mean, he’s lifted some, he’s got on court a bit, but we’re still two weeks a day, I think. So, we’re just not ready yet. He’s getting some playing in and pretty intense playing. Mostly workouts and stuff. Individual stuff, but he has gotten out there and played against competition since getting there.”
The Sixers labeled Embiid as doubtful on the initial injury report ahead of Game 4 as well. In the hour leading up to the game’s tip-off, the Sixers upgraded the star center to questionable on the injury report as he received another evaluation.
When the 76ers submitted their final injury report before the action, Embiid was officially upgraded to available. He is making his 2026 NBA Playoffs debut on Sunday.
76ers Announce Starting Lineup vs Celtics
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Sixers are rolling out a starting lineup of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre, and Paul George.
This season, Embiid appeared in 38 games. The veteran center saw the court for 31.6 minutes per game when healthy.
While shooting 48.9% from the field, Embiid put up 26.9 points per game. In addition to his scoring, Embiid posted averages of 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Throughout his career, Embiid has appeared in 59 playoff games. He has averaged 24.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the postseason.
The 76ers are looking to tie the series 2-2 on Sunday night.