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Joel Embiid practiced in a limited fashion

The Philadelphia 76ers are still awaiting the return of star center Joel Embiid, who has been out for the first three games of the first round against the Boston Celtics. 

Heading into Game 4 Sunday night, Embiid remains doubtful, but according to the latest reports, all indications point to the 32-year-old star center’s return being imminent. 

Embiid is recovering from appendicitis surgery he had just before the close of the regular season. The Sixers head into this must-win Game 4 trailing two games to one. 

After an applaudable Game 2 effort on the road that saw the Sixers get red-hot from the 3-point, they cooled off in Game 3 as the Celtics flashed their postseason mettle. 

Philadelphia has a chance to tie the series right back up with a win tonight. The more they can win the better the chances Embiid returns.

And what an incredible boost that would be.

Joel Embiid’s Return Feels Closer Than Ever

Embiid was hit with an emergency procedure April 9 after being diagnosed with appendicitis. He was originally ruled out indefinitely, but as the weeks went by, optimism grew over his eventual return this season. 

GettyJoel Embiid warms up prior to a Philadelphia 76ers game.

Embiid’s “doubtful” status suggests he is progressing well, and if the series extends, he could play a significant role. He appeared in just 38 games this season, and while the Sixers have learned to manage without him, his experience and skillset would certainly deliver the Sixers an enormous boost. 

According to Sixers insider Justin Edwards, Embiid is making great progress as the series versus the Celtics reaches the home stretch. 

Per the Philadelphia Inquirer: “Justin Edwards said following the Sixers’ shootaround that Joel Embiid [appendectomy] participated in “a little bit” of the team session ahead of Sunday night’s Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. ‘Looking forward to seeing if he’s able to play or not,’ Edwards said. Embiid, who has not played since his April 9 surgery, was still listed as doubtful on the NBA’s noon injury report. He went through an individual on-court workout Saturday afternoon, coach Nick Nurse said, and participated in part of Thursday’s practice ahead of Game 3.”

Can Philadelphia Hold on Long Enough for Star’s Return?

The Sixers have turned to outstanding scoring guard Tyrese Maxey since Embiid has been sidelined. 

Maxey, just 25, has shown the big stage is no-bigge for him. He already has had big scoring performances — 31 points against the Orlando Magic in the play-in game for the No. 7 seed — and is averaging 27 points in the first three games of the first round. 

Another player the Sixers had looked toward is the veteran Paul George, a nine-time All-Star with loads of postseason experience. George, 35, has seen it all, from the battles with LeBron James over 10 years ago to making it to the conference finals with the L.A. Clippers in 2021. 

George’s season was interrupted because he had to serve a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug policy. Now would be a wonderful time for the star forward to turn back the clock.

Game 4 from Philadelphia tips off this evening. The Sixers have a golden opportunity to head back to Boston with a series tie.