Joel Embiid’s gutsy return for 76ers after appendectomy falls flat

PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid’s surprise return only 17 days after having an appendectomy fell flat and did nothing to help the Philadelphia 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