Going into Games 3 and 4 against the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers listed Joel Embiid as doubtful.
Roughly two weeks after getting diagnosed with appendicitis, leading to surgery, Embiid was working on getting cleared for action.
In Game 3, Embiid did not get cleared. He was ruled out, and started eyeing the next one. Initially, it seemed like Embiid was on pace to miss another game, but then the Sixers upgraded him to questionable.
Ultimately, Embiid played in Game 4 against the Celtics.
“I was shocked when he was listed as going to play,” 94WIP’s Ike Reese said. “I was definitely surprised by that.”
Embiid’s ability to recover quickly, push through, and play was admirable. However, many saw a chance in the way the 76ers operated. Reese is one of many to point out that the return of Embiid might have had a negative impact in the long run.
Joel Embiid’s Game 4 Assessed
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Joel 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. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
“Looked good early,” Reese said of Embiid.
“My takeaway from the game is that the team looked out of sync. They looked like they had a new player inserted into the lineup, and they couldn’t figure out how to play around him.”
Embiid exceeded his number of appearances from last season by early December. Still, he appeared in fewer than 40 games throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season. While it seemed that Embiid was getting back and healthy again at the right time after taking a month off to recover from an oblique injury, appendicitis took him right back off the court.
“The good thing about Joel is that he can get his own shots, right? He’s gonna do his thing. That’s the great thing about him. The problem with that is that you’ve got to get him the ball, and how are you going to play off of him? I thought [VJ] Edgecombe was almost non-existent [in Game 4].
“Tyrese Maxey in the first half, I didn’t even know he was in the damn game. He only took three shots in the first half. For me, I don’t want to come off sounding too hard on Joel, because coming back from what he came back from early and wanting to be out there and play, I want to give him credit for that. But I was worried about how it would affect the chemistry.”
On a solo level, Joel Embiid checked in for 34 minutes in Game 4. He shot 9-21 from the field and 7-9 from the free-throw line to produce 26 points. The veteran center came down with 10 rebounds and produced six assists.
It was clear the Sixers needed the game to run through him, but it didn’t make a difference. The same issues hurt the 76ers. They lost the three-point battle 24-9 and lost the rebounding battle 51-30.
Sixers Suggested to Keep The Focus On The Backcourt
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 15: Paul George #8 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Orlando Magic at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 15, 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)
“They just automatically defer to him when he’s in the lineup,” Reese added of Embiid. “I understand why he’s the former MVP. He’s the face of the franchise, I get that, but this thing has transitioned to the younger guys, and Maxey being the engine on offense. I didn’t see that. The game looked completely different than all of the other games.”
It’s unclear how the Sixers will look after getting a day off to review the tape with Embiid back in play. But it’s evident that their issues span beyond finding a way for Embiid to mesh back into the offense.
The Sixers don’t have any margin for error. One loss and they are done. Game 5 is do-or-die in Boston, and they need to do whatever it takes to get a win.
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