Joe Mazzulla explains how Celtics can counter return of Joel Embiid

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid literally and figuratively loomed large over the Boston Celtics heading into the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. He was sidelined for the first two games of the series rather definitively, yet there was always a chance he could return following his recovery from an appendectomy in early April. That moment finally came on Sunday night, as Embiid went from "doubtful" on the injury report to "questionable" less than an hour later and then was cleared to play 30 minutes before tipoff at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

While Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla refused to explicitly say whether or not his squad was previously preparing for Embiid's arrival, their coordinated play in Game 4 suggests that they weren't exactly startled. Although the 2023 league MVP started off hot with 10 points in the first quarter on 60 percent shooting, he missed 10 of his next 16 shots and finished with a dismal plus-minus rating of minus-25. The Celtics went on to dominate, 128-96, and take a 3-1 series lead behind stellar performances from star Jayson Tatum and sixth man Payton Pritchard.

Joe Mazzulla said the Celtics’ defense was good but he understands that the Sixers also just missed some shots: “Embiid missed some shots he’ll make. ” He also spoke on their defense vs. Embiid: “You’re not going to be able to stop him.

You just have to contain him. ” pic. twitter.