Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

Before the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics tipped off Game 3 earlier this week, the veteran guard Payton Pritchard was informed by media members that Joel Embiid was actually upgraded on the injury report.

Based on Pritchard’s reaction, it seemed clear that the Celtics weren’t even discussing a potential game plan based on facing Embiid. Pritchard confirmed that much,

“I don’t think we talked about it all,” Pritchard told reporters on April 24. 

“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.”

Embiid didn’t play in Game 3. The Celtics were right to avoid planning for the star center, as they managed to execute their initial plan well enough to take Game 3 on the road against the Sixers.

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 14: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shake hands after game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Embiid Returned For Game 4

The 76ers listed Embiid on the injury report as doubtful for Game 4 as well. That time around, there wasn’t a false alarm. Embiid was upgraded and eventually got cleared to play. How much did the Celtics prepare for him then? Pritchard revealed it after the game.

via Zack Cox, Boston Herald: Payton Pritchard on Joel Embiid being activated shortly before tipoff tonight: “We just changed maybe a small adjustment before the game, but we didn’t talk about it at all.”

Again, little preparation for Embiid. Big win for the Celtics. The Sixers had a prime opportunity to take care of business against a team that didn’t prepare for the return of the former MVP. The 76ers failed to do so.

Boston Puts The Sixers In Win-Or-Go-Home Territory

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 25: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Embiid started strong, but had signs of rust. That was to be expected, considering it’s been less than three weeks since he received surgery due to appendicitis.

The veteran center checked in for 34 minutes. He shot 9-21 from the field and 7-9 from the charity stripe to score 26 points.

Embiid collected a double-double with 10 rebounds and produced six assists, one steal, and one block. In the end, Embiid’s return didn’t make much of a difference for the Sixers.

The Celtics dominated the 76ers 128-96.

Pritchard had the biggest game of all. The veteran guard checked in off the bench for 35 minutes. He got hot from the jump, and finished the game with 32 points on 12-21 shooting from the field and 6-12 shooting from three.

The Sixers are now down 1-3. They head back to Boston in do-or-die territory. Joel Embiid’s status for that game could be up in the air, depending on how he feels.