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Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics collides with Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers

The Boston Celtics may have slowed the Joel Embiid storyline early in their first-round series — but a potential return from the former MVP is quickly becoming the next major hurdle.

Joel Embiid Return Timeline Raises Stakes for Celtics

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Embiid’s return appears more likely in Game 4 rather than Game 3 as he continues progressing from his recent surgery.

“I’m not sure if Joel’s going to play or not, but I would definitely not say he’s not going to play,” Bontemps said on The Hoop Collective podcast. “If you’re measuring the odds, it’s probably more likely he would play Sunday in Game 4.”

For Boston, that timeline could significantly alter the series dynamic.

Embiid is officially listed as doubtful for Game 3 against the Boston Celtics, with the series shifting to Philadelphia on Friday night.

Celtics Lose Momentum as 76ers Show Life Without Embiid

The Celtics entered the series as the No. 2 seed and heavy favorites, but the Philadelphia 76ers responded in Game 2 with a 111-97 win to even the series.

Even without Embiid, Philadelphia generated consistent offense through ball movement and perimeter shooting, exposing gaps in Boston’s defensive rotations.

The 76ers knocked down 19 three-pointers and shot nearly 48% from the field, showing they can remain competitive without their franchise centerpiece.

That makes the prospect of Embiid’s return even more concerning for Boston.

Joel Embiid Progressing Toward Return

Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, participated in portions of Thursday’s practice after recently being cleared to begin a strength and conditioning program following his appendectomy.

He is officially listed as doubtful for Game 3, but Bontemps cautioned against reading too much into that designation.

“Doubtful for Joel is not like doubtful for a lot of people,” Bontemps said. “I’ve seen doubtful turn into playing a lot over the years.”

Even limited participation represents a step forward — and a signal that his return may be imminent.

Limited Role Could Still Impact Celtics Defense

Bontemps suggested that Embiid may not return with a full workload, but even a limited role could shift the series.

“If you can have him for 12 to 15 minutes and deploy him in certain spots, his scoring ability becomes a weapon,” he said.

That possibility presents a strategic challenge for Boston, which has so far defended a perimeter-oriented Philadelphia offense.

Adding Embiid back into the mix would force the Celtics to adjust both their interior defense and help coverage.

Boston Could Face Energized Environment in Philadelphia

The timing of Embiid’s potential return also coincides with the series shifting to Philadelphia, where the 76ers are expected to play in front of a high-energy home crowd.

“Being able to play Embiid, even a little, gives them a different wrinkle at both ends,” Bontemps said. “And it’s going to ramp up the crowd.”

For Boston, that combination — a revitalized opponent and a hostile road environment — could test its composure in a series that has already tightened.

Series Outlook Hinges on Embiid Timeline

Game 3 presents an opportunity for the Celtics to regain control before Embiid potentially re-enters the equation.

If Boston can capitalize early, it may be able to mitigate the impact of his return.

If not, the series could shift dramatically.

“We’ll see what happens Friday,” Bontemps said, “but I definitely wouldn’t sit here and say there’s no chance.”

For the Celtics, the message is clear: the window to take command of the series may be closing fast.