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Embiid Returns for Game 5 as Celtics Lead 3-1

4/28/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Embiid Returns

The Philadelphia 76ers will play the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the playoffs on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Boston.
Joel Embiid is listed as probable after recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
Joel Embiid posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Game 4.
The Celtics lead the series 3-1 and are 11.5-point favorites, 215 over/under.
A 76ers win would force Game 6 at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday.

Summary

Celtics Set Record

The Celtics set a franchise playoff record with 24 three-pointers in Game 4.
Payton Pritchard contributed a career-playoff best 32 points off the bench in that win.
Dimers’ model assigns Boston an 80% chance to win and recommends betting the over 214.5 points.
Coach Joe Mazzulla will have a full, healthy rotation, allowing strategic adjustments in the elimination game.

History

Historical Context

Boston, settled in 1630 and home to major sports teams, saw the Celtics win the 2008 NBA title over the Lakers 4-2, highlighted by Paul Pierce’s 22-point average. In 2026, coach Joe Mazzulla’s team matched that shooting focus with 24 threes in Game 4 against Joel Embiid’s 76ers, extending the franchise’s playoff streak.

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Embiid Returns

The Philadelphia 76ers will play the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the playoffs on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Boston.
Joel Embiid is listed as probable after recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
Joel Embiid posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Game 4.
The Celtics lead the series 3-1 and are 11.5-point favorites, 215 over/under.
A 76ers win would force Game 6 at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday.

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