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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A big boost entered the lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Boston Celtics on Sunday night for Game 4. Joel Embiid was cleared to make his return after being away for under three weeks, following surgery for appendicitis.
Everything was going right for the Sixers, who were attempting to even the series 2-2 after stealing Game 2 on the road and dropping Game 3 at home.
Embiid looked like he didn’t miss a step offensively at first. But Philadelphia’s defense quickly broke down in the first quarter. Once the Celtics got a clear lead early on, they never looked back.
The big boost? It turned out to be worthless in the end. The 76ers were destroyed by double-digits for the second time since Game 1.
The Celtics defeated Philly with a score of 128-96.
NBA Fans Sound Off On 76ers vs Celtics Game 4
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 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)
Here’s how NBA fans reacted to the Sixers’ struggles on X:
Eringrugan: Best performance of the night BY FAR for the Sixers coming from a guy that had an internal organ emergently removed two weeks ago 👍
Sean_Barnard1: Cannot overstate how embarrassing this is from the Sixers perspective Not good enough from every single key guy and largely self-inflicted issues
MdelNBA: The Sixers just look depressed
DamienPetersNBA: Philly, it’s been real but there is no way this front office can’t make significant changes this offseason. For all the teams we talk about facing tough questions about their roster – the Sixers might have the most glaring. Do you continue and pray one day you can put together a healthy season, or do you accept you already have your back court for the future and move forward with that alone. Trying to balance two timelines at the same time is a nearly impossible task.
Herechigoes: I love giving the Sixers hope bro they always take it
SixersJustin: Fans have fallen asleep in the stands
BabzOnTheMic: Celtics fans chanting “WE WANT BOSTON” are LOUD right now in Philly. Beantown beatdown. Love it.
Baxter40_22: The Joel Embiid era Sixers will go down as one of the most disappointing runs in Philly history.
The Series Is Getting Away From Philly
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court after the game against the Boston Celtics during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Embiid’s return to action, considering the circumstances, was a respectable effort.
The veteran center checked in for 34 minutes. He shot 9-21 from the field to score 26 points. Embiid logged a double-double with 10 rebounds. He also produced six assists, one steal, and one block.
The 76ers didn’t get enough from the supporting cast. Tyrese Maxey produced 22 points, and Paul George had 16 points.
Philadelphia has fallen to 1-3 in the series. The 76ers will hit the road to face the Celtics in Boston on Tuesday, April 28. The two teams will tip off at 7 PM ET.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
