4 takeaways: Joel Embiid returns as Celtics cruise to big win and 3-1 lead

Joel Embiid returned from a 17-day absence following an appendectomy in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, but his comeback was not enough to prevent a blowout. The Celtics dominated from the outset, using a 22-5 run to close the first quarter and never leading by fewer than 14 points, winning 128-96. Payton Pritchard led all scorers with 32 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum contributed 30 points and 11 assists, giving Boston a 3-1 series lead.