Joel Embiid had surgery

Joel Embiid underwent an appendectomy in Houston on Thursday after the Philadelphia 76ers said he developed appendicitis overnight and is now out indefinitely. (nba.com) The 76ers said Embiid was discharged from the hospital on Friday and returned to Philadelphia, but the team has not set a timetable for his return to basketball activities. (sports.yahoo.com) Coach Nick Nurse said Embiid felt fine at practice on Wednesday, then contacted the team around 3:00 or 3:30 a.m. Thursday because he was not feeling well. Nurse said doctors in Houston performed a scan and decided surgery was necessary that day. (espn.com) The timing hit Philadelphia at the end of the regular season. The 76ers entered Sunday, April 12, still alive for the Eastern Conference's sixth seed, which avoids the play-in tournament, but they needed a win plus losses by Toronto and Orlando. (nba.com) Embiid had played 38 games this season and was averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists, after appearing in only 19 games in 2024-25. Philadelphia had already been managing his knee issues throughout the year, including keeping him out of both ends of back-to-backs. (nba.com) The surgery adds another interruption to a season in which the 76ers have spent weeks trying to stabilize their lineup around Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. ESPN reported Philadelphia was 43-37 through Thursday's games, with two regular-season games left at that point. (espn.com) Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that is typically treated by removing it, especially when doctors want to prevent a rupture. In basketball terms, the issue is less long-term function than short-term recovery from abdominal surgery. (nba.com) For now, the 76ers are waiting on healing more than standings math. Nurse called it "a tough blow," and the team has not said whether Embiid can play in the postseason. (espn.com)