Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis with four games remaining in the 76ers’ season and underwent a successful appendectomy in Houston.
The oft-injured big man last played April 6, scoring 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds and four blocks in a loss to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Embiid was listed as doubtful to start the day and was upgraded to questionable after going through his pregame workout.
The 32-year-old averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds this season after playing in only 19 games in 2024-25. He hasn’t appeared in as many as 40 games in a regular season since 2022-23, when he averaged a career-best 33.1 points and earned MVP honours.
The 76ers currently trail the Celtics 2-1 in the series, and have been out-rebounded by Boston by an average of 46 to 39.7 through the three games.
Game 4 is set to tip off Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. Catch the action on Sportsnet ONE.
–With files from The Associated Press