Just a few hours out from a Thursday night matchup against the Houston Rockets on April 10, the Philadelphia 76ers landed some very unfortunate news.
Joel Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis.
The superstar center was scheduled for emergency surgery in Houston, Texas, on Thursday and is on pace to miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
A 113-102 loss against the Houston Rockets on Thursday didn’t do the Sixers any favors on the playoff front. They are eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 43-47 record. The Orlando Magic have a 1.0-game lead over them, while the Atlanta Hawks are up 2.0 games in the sixth seed.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during overtime 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)
Although the Sixers are trending towards picking up a Play-In game, the Sixers still have a shot at getting into the playoffs through the tournament. Considering the circumstances with Embiid, his availability for the playoffs is in jeopardy.
Most believe he won’t play in the postseason–especially early on. The former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas is confident the star center will do what it takes to make an appearance.
Gil Arenas Speaks On Joel Embiid’s Toughness
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)
“Man, it’s Embiid, he’ll be back,” Arenas said.
“Half his face was falling apart, man … This man has played through some stuff. Like, stuff I never even heard of. He said I couldn’t move half my left side and he was still getting buckets. I don’t need this left side. You know how talented you got be to do what he’s done and half his body doesn’t work?”
Despite his struggles with staying healthy, Embiid has proven he can play through some significant injuries, especially during the playoffs.
Arenas is one of many former players and analysts to acknowledge Embiid’s toughness on Thursday after hearing the news.
While Arenas is confident that the NBA hasn’t seen the last of Embiid this season, the Sixers can’t put a timeline on his recovery just yet.
According to an official team statement, further updates will be provided as appropriate. The surgery was successful, and the public is waiting to hear about the next step.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are going to gear up for a Friday night game against the Indiana Pacers. The second half of the back-to-back set for Philly tips off at 7:30 PM ET.