Sixers list Embiid as doubtful, Oubre as questionable for Game 4 vs. Celtics 

The Sixers added Kelly Oubre Jr. to their injury report Saturday night going into Game 4 of their first-round playoff series vs. the Celtics.

Along with Joel Embiid (appendectomy recovery), who was again officially classified as doubtful, the Sixers listed Oubre as questionable with “right adductor soreness.”

Oubre’s carried a large load in the series, including a 40-minute outing Friday night as the Sixers lost to the Celtics and fell into a 2-1 series deficit. He’s guarded both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. Following a career-best three-point shooting season, Oubre’s gone just 3 for 15 (20 percent) beyond the arc through three games.

“I’m just trying to be steady and solid,” he said after the Sixers’ film session Saturday. “And when my opportunity presents itself, I’m fully confident in what I can do. I’m going to continue to keep a positive mindset and just go out there and be myself. I have a pretty heavy load on defense but at the end of the day, I’m a two-way player. … I just want to bring myself to the game and help my team win.”

In the event Oubre is unable to play or can’t handle the same volume of minutes, Justin Edwards and Dominick Barlow would appear in line for increased playing time. Barlow was out of the Sixers’ Game 3 rotation. 

Embiid’s status is certainly subject to change ahead of Sunday night’s Game 4.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse suggested that Sunday morning’s shootaround might be a significant step. Embiid participated in parts of the Sixers’ practice Thursday and has clearly been trending up in recent days. He underwent his appendectomy on April 9. 

“He’s on court right now doing individual work,” Nurse said of Embiid. “Like I said before, he’s working as hard as he can to get back. We just need to see how it goes today and tomorrow morning, and then maybe we’ll know more toward the end of shootaround tomorrow.”

Though both Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have had good moments in the series, they haven’t come close to replicating Embiid’s presence. On top of Embiid’s diverse offensive game, the Sixers have missed his rim protection defensively. 

“It’s a different ball game, having someone like that back in the series,” Bona said Friday. “It’s a huge advantage for us. I’m just excited to see him back on the floor again.”