The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA playoffs. This matchup marks the 23rd playoff meeting between these two historic franchises. A significant focus for Philadelphia is the status of center Joel Embiid, who has been sidelined for the first three games of the series and the previous Play-In game against the Orlando Magic.
Joel Embiid’s Status Update and Sixers Lineup
Joel Embiid has officially been marked as active for Game 4. The former MVP underwent an emergency appendectomy in Houston on April 9 and did not participate in the initial games of the series. Remarkably, Embiid made a return just 17 days post-surgery. In general, NBA players typically miss an average of 23 days due to similar procedures.
- Joel Embiid: Active (appendectomy)
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: Active (right adductor soreness)
Updated Sixers Starting Lineup
With Embiid back in the lineup, the Philadelphia 76ers’ starting five for Game 4 includes:
- Tyrese Maxey (Guard)
- V.J. Edgecombe (Guard)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (Forward)
- Paul George (Forward)
- Joel Embiid (Center)
Injury Report Insights
Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. was previously questionable due to right adductor soreness. However, he has also been upgraded to active, joining Embiid in the lineup for this crucial game against the Celtics.
Pre-Game Ceremony
In a notable pre-game event, former 76ers guard and sixth man Lou Williams rang the bell prior to the start of Game 4. This tradition is a sign of support and motivation for the team as they aim to even the series against Boston.
The stakes are high for Philadelphia as they look to tie the series. With both Embiid and Oubre Jr. active, the 76ers will bring their full strength into this pivotal game.
