Joel Embiid’s Latest Setback Is All Too Familiar For The 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid in action during an NBA basketball game Friday, April 3, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Since he entered the NBA, Joel Embiid has endured numerous injuries and bad luck. Still, it looked like the 7-foot center would be healthy heading into this postseason, giving the Philadelphia 76ers some hope they could finally break their 25-year streak of not advancing to the Eastern Conference finals. Now, after Embiid underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis Thursday, the franchise is in a familiar place.

The 76ers did not disclose how long it would take Embiid to recover, but it is safe to assume he won’t be on the court when the play-in tournament or playoffs begin. After losing to the Houston Rockets Thursday night, the 76ers (43-37) are tied for eighth in the conference with the Charlotte Hornets. The 76ers won their season series against the Hornets, so Philadelphia would be the higher seed if the teams end up tied.

The 76ers have two regular season games remaining: Friday at the Indiana Pacers and Sunday in Philadelphia against the Milwaukee Bucks. Every other team has two games left, too. As of now, the Detroit Pistons have secured the No.