Full Breakdown
Celtics Crush Sixers in Game 4 as Pritchard Scores 32 Points and Embiid Returns
4/27/2026, 11:22:54 AM
Game 4 Summary
On April 27, 2026 the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Inquirer listed the score as 126-96; the Globe and other outlets recorded 128-96. Boston set a club record with 24 three-pointers and led by 18 at halftime. Payton Pritchard scored 32 points (6-of-20, six threes). Joel Embiid returned 17 days after an emergency appendectomy, playing 34 minutes with a minus-25 plus/minus.
Series Background
Boston entered Game 4 with a 3-1 series lead after winning both prior games in Philadelphia. The Sixers hoped Embiid’s return would change the series, but Boston’s early control kept the sweep imminent.
Key Performers & Statistics
Payton Pritchard (Boston) posted 32 points and six three-pointers. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) logged 34 minutes with a minus-25 plus/minus. Kelly Oubre Jr. (Philadelphia) was listed as questionable with adductor soreness and shot 3-for-15 (20%) from three. Boston out-rebounded Philadelphia and set a club record with 24 threes.
Official Statements
Nick Nurse said Embiid was “doing individual work” and “working as hard as he can to get back,” stressing ongoing monitoring. Joe Mazzulla emphasized that giving Pritchard “the freedom to play the way he needs to play” was key to Boston’s plan.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts called Philadelphia’s rebounding “humiliated” and noted the team’s failure to finish possessions. Relying on Embiid as the primary scorer was labeled a “feed-Emb” approach. Boston’s use of Andre Drummond against a five-out Celtics was described as “hopeless,” and Kelly Oubre Jr.’s defensive load prompted calls to consider his free-agency future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not an angry thing,” Pritchard insisted. “It’s just, maybe I just, I don’t know how to change my face and I’m talking like that. But no, there’s a love between our relationship there.” — Payton Pritchard, Guard, Boston Celtics
- “It’s a good feeling, but it’s more of a flow state,” — Payton Pritchard, Guard, Boston Celtics
- “I’m just trying to be steady and solid,” — Kelly Oubre Jr., Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The final score appears as 126-96 in the Inquirer and 128-96 in the Globe, creating a discrepancy. Pre-game reports listed Embiid as doubtful, yet he played 34 minutes with a minus-25 plus/minus; Nurse’s comments indicated ongoing assessment. Kelly Oubre Jr. was listed as questionable with adductor soreness, but his 20% three-point shooting suggests limited impact.
What’s Next
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Boston. A Celtics win clinches the series; a Sixers victory forces a Game 6 in Philadelphia. Both teams must improve rebounding and defensive schemes as the series nears its end.
