Embiid goes under the knife: how long will 76ers star be out of NBA action?
Philadelphia’s playoff hopes hang in the balance as their star center recovers, with the postseason just days away.
Joel Embiid underwent surgery on Thursday for appendicitis and could miss the rest of the season if the Philadelphia 76ers fail to advance in the playoffs.
The Cameroonian center was diagnosed after falling ill earlier that same day in Houston, where the Sixers were defeated by the Rockets, 113–102. Embiid had the procedure in the Texas city shortly after the diagnosis was confirmed.
Although the franchise has not provided a specific timeline for his return, the typical recovery period following an appendectomy ranges between 10 and 14 days.
The Sixers currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference, a play-in position, and are locked in a tight battle with five other teams for the final two playoff spots. With only two regular-season games remaining – against the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks – their final seeding could swing significantly.
A finish in fifth or sixth place would guarantee at least one full playoff series, while positions seven through ten would force Philadelphia into the play-in tournament, where elimination comes down to single-game scenarios.
The play-in tournament is scheduled to take place from Tuesday through Friday next week, with the first round of the playoffs set to begin on Saturday, April 18.
Embiid’s latest setback adds to a growing list of physical issues in recent years, including a serious knee problem that has repeatedly disrupted his availability for Philadelphia.
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