Embiid’s gutsy return after appendectomy falls flat as Celtics rout 76ers for 3-1 series lead

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid’s surprise return only 17 days after having an appendectomy fell flat and did nothing to help the 76ers stay competitive with Boston.

Embiid had 26 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes, a gutsy effort in his latest return from injury that wasn’t enough to overcome the Celtics in their 128-96 Game 4 win over Philadelphia on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Embiid — who received a roaring ovation in pregame introductions — wasted little time scoring in his first game since April 6. The two-time NBA scoring champion sank two free throws for the Sixers’ first points of the game, added a monster two-handed jam and scored the team’s first eight points.

Embiid withered after the fast start and missed seven straight shots before converting a three-point play in the third quarter. That cut the Sixers’ deficit to 23 points.

Embiid was listed as doubtful to start the day and was upgraded to questionable about 90 minutes before the scheduled tipoff. Embiid returned to the court wearing a protective brace around his midsection, and was cleared to play about 40 minutes before the start of Game 4.

The 32-year-old Embiid averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds this season after playing in only 19...