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Joel Embiid is out for the Philadelphia 76ers’ game on Tuesday, January 20.
The NBA Playoffs are around the corner, and the Philadelphia 76ers have a Joel Embiid problem.
On the morning of the Sixers’ road matchup in Texas against the Houston Rockets, Joel Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis.
The star center was rushed to the hospital and needed surgery that same day. Hours later, the Sixers announced that Embiid’s surgery was successful.
Before the Sixers’ Friday night action against the Indiana Pacers, the 76ers put out an update regarding the star center:
“Joel Embiid was discharged from the hospital today following a successful appendectomy and is returning to Philadelphia. Embiid’s surgical recovery will be managed by team physicians in consultation with his surgeon. A timeline for return to basketball activities has not yet been determined.”
Sports Doctor Reveals A Possible Timeline For Joel Embiid
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Sixers haven’t put out an official timeline for Embiid’s recovery. However, Dr. Ryan Schreiter, an orthopedic surgeon at Temple Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, addressed the issue on 94WIP on Friday.
If all goes as planned on the recovery front, Embiid could be cleared for full basketball activities in 2-4 weeks.
“I think the two to four is usually the standard,” Schreiter said. “Everybody’s different, you know? I mean, I’d say two to four is like a standard. I think he’s in it. I think he’s in a good space, though. I think he’s going to recover quickly.”
Unfortunately, Embiid is no stranger to setbacks. This season, he dealt with soreness in his knee that was surgically repaired multiple times throughout the year. He also battled shin soreness and an oblique strain.
With the timing of his setback, 2-to-4 weeks could mean that the Sixers have seen the last of Embiid this year. After Sunday’s finale against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers are only guaranteed two more games.
Even if the Sixers manage to make the playoffs, Embiid’s first-round availability will be up in the air.
What’s Next For The Sixers?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
If the Sixers manage to come up with the sixth seed, they would earn a first-round series against the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs.
Depending on how the Sunday slate shakes out, along with the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Sixers could get a series against the Boston Celtics or the Detroit Pistons.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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