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Joel Embiid recorded a 26-point double-double in Game 4

As the Philadelphia 76ers looked to form a comeback against the Boston Celtics in the second half, the star center, Joel Embiid, injured his knee.

With a little over four minutes left to go in the third quarter, Embiid bumped knees with a defender. Embiid was clearly shaken up after the play, and it wasn’t long before he went back to the Sixers’ locker room to get checked out.

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)

The timing of the setback was unfortunate, considering Embiid was beginning to gain a rhythm in the second half. At the same time, the Celtics started to form a run, finding some separation once again.

Embiid left for the locker room after seeing the court for 27 minutes. The big man shot 9-19 from the field and 7-8 from the free-throw line. Embiid had produced 25 points, four rebounds, six assists, and one block.

The Sixers watched the star center quickly return to the bench. He was ready to get checked back in right away.

The Sixers Are Fighting For Their Season

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 10: Trendon Watford #12, Joel Embiid #21, and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers sit on the bench during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

When Joel Embiid returned to the Sixers’ lineup to make his 2026 playoff debut in Game 4 against the Celtics, the 76ers trailed 2-1 in the series. Embiid received surgery due to appendicitis just a couple of weeks beforehand.

Embiid checked in for 34 minutes. He shot 9-21 from the field and 7-9 from the free-throw line to score 26 points. The star center produced a double-double with 10 rebounds and dished out six assists. The 76ers still struggled, as they fell short with a 128-96 loss.

Trailing 1-3 going into Boston on Tuesday, the Sixers had Embiid on the injury report listed as probable. Fortunately, he got the nod to play. While his knee became a concern late in the third quarter, the star center will push through and continue fighting for Philly’s season.

If the 76ers can seal a win in Boston, they’ll force a Game 6 on Thursday, April 30.