Embiid returns from appendectomy, back in Sixers' lineup for Game 4 vs. Celtics

A little over two weeks after undergoing an appendectomy, Joel Embiid returned to the Sixers’ lineup Sunday night.

The Sixers announced about 30 minutes before tip-off that Embiid was in the starting five for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series vs. the Celtics. Kelly Oubre Jr. was also available for Game 4 after initially being listed as questionable with right adductor soreness. Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George rounded out the Sixers’ starters. 

Embiid had an appendectomy on April 9 in Houston. He’d first been listed as doubtful for Game 4, although history has shown that it’s not uncommon for the seven-time All-Star to be upgraded late and in dramatic fashion. He ran through his typical pregame workout on the Xfinity Mobile Arena floor approximately 45 minutes before the game.

Embiid was a partial participant in the Sixers’ practice Thursday and had ramped up his on-court activity in recent days. He did an individual workout Saturday at the Sixers’ practice facility. Justin Edwards said Sunday morning that Embiid was part of the Sixers’ walkthrough at shootaround.

With Adem Bona and Andre Drummond manning the center spot, the Sixers lost Game 3 and fell into a 2-1 series deficit. Though conditioning will surely be a factor, Embiid will presumably bring more to the table than the Bona-Drummond tandem. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists over 38 regular-season games.

Sunday’s return marks the fourth time Embiid has come back from injury to join a series in progress. He also did so during the 2018, 2022 and 2023 playoffs.