In a significant boost for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid is back in the starting lineup for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, just 17 days after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. The team has opted not to impose a formal minutes restriction on him, allowing coach Nick Nurse to manage his playing time based on real-time assessments of his conditioning and game flow. This decision reflects the urgency of the situation, as the 76ers trail 2-1 in the series. Embiid's return is expected to alter Boston's defensive strategy, requiring them to account for his presence in various offensive roles. While he may not be at peak performance, his ability to draw fouls and create matchup pressure is crucial for Philadelphia. The team is taking a flexible approach to his workload, focusing on competitive needs rather than strict medical guidelines, indicating their confidence in Embiid's ability to contribute significantly in this pivotal game.