Joel Embiid was active and included in the starting lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the visiting Boston Celtics on Sunday.

Embiid has been sidelined since April 6, when he underwent an emergency appendectomy during a team trip in Texas. He was initially listed as doubtful for Game 3 and ultimately did not play. Ahead of Game 4, he was again listed as doubtful before being upgraded to questionable roughly an hour before tipoff, signaling a late push toward a return.

It remains unclear how effective Embiid will be in the game or whether he will operate under any minutes restriction as he works his way back into game condition.

The former NBA Most Valuable Player and five-time All-NBA selection was limited to 38 regular-season games due to a series of injuries and ailments. Despite the setbacks, he averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.

Boston entered Game 4 holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. -Field Level Media/Reuters