Before Joel Embiid made his return to the court, the Philadelphia 76ers teased fans by upgrading him to doubtful ahead of Game 3.
There was a small chance Embiid was going to make his playoff debut that early, and the Celtics were hardly worried about his arrival.
Before the game, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was informed that Embiid was upgraded. “Nice,” he told reporters when he heard.
When asked about what the preparation for Embiid has been like, Pritchard answered a little too honestly.
“If he plays he plays, we’ll figure that out. It’s not like we’re sitting here worried if he’s playing or not … we haven’t even game-planned for him yet,” Pritchard said.
Joel Embiid used that as bulletin board material, clearly.
Joel Embiid Sends Shots At Payton Pritchard
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics talks to head coach Joe Mazulla during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
While reflecting on the journey of round one, which included four appearances from Embiid, the star center took a jab at Pritchard during his postgame press conference.
“It also helps when I saw, No. 11 on their team, before I came back, he said they didn’t care if I was playing or not, and they hadn’t even adjusted or had some sort of game plan for me,” Embiid told reporters, according to Ky Carlin of the Sixers Wire. “So I think it also helps when the other team doesn’t worry about you.”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2025 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Many members of the Celtics spent their postgame press conferences on Saturday night calling Embiid a difference-maker for the 76ers in the series.
In the three games leading up to Saturday night, Embiid 26.0 points per game, while shooting 43.5% from the field.
In addition to his scoring, Embiid came down with 8.0 rebounds per game and dished out 7.3 assists per game.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the second half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 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)
During Game 7, Embiid checked in for 39 minutes. The star center scored 34 points while producing 12 rebounds, six assists, and one block.
Embiid was surely a game-changer for the 76ers on Saturday–and throughout the rest of the series. After taking down Boston with a 109-100 win, the 76ers ended Payton Pritchard and the Celtics’ postseason run.