Joel Embiid Set To Return For Game 4

The Sixers are getting reinforcements as they look to tie their series with the Celtics at 2-2, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that star big man Joel Embiid will return in Game 4 after a multi-week absence for appendicitis surgery (Twitter link).

After being upgraded from doubtful to questionable earlier in the day, Embiid went through warm-ups and was ultimately cleared to play. The former MVP had a thick wrap around his stomach as he went through his pre-game routine, PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck reports (via Twitter).

Tony Jones notes (via Twitter) that the star big man did not look 100% as he went through warm-ups, and cautioned fans to not expect too much from him immediately out of the gate.

Embiid has been re-inserted into the starting lineup, notes Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports (via Twitter), and it’s unclear if he will be playing with a minutes restriction. Kelly Oubre Jr., who was questionable with a sore oblique, has also been cleared to play, per Jones (via Twitter).

The Sixers tied the series 1-1 behind impressive showings from the Tyrese Maxey – VJ Edgecombe backcourt, but they dropped a hard-fought Game 3 108-100. They will look to take advantage of the home court advantage on Sunday to get themselves back on even footing heading to Boston for Game 5.