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Feb 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers might be in trouble against the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference opening round playoff series no matter what.
Their cause certainly isn't helped by the absence of Joel Embiid.
The 76ers were crushed in Game 1, and Embiid remains out for Game 2.
Even at this point in his career, Embiid is a difference-making player when healthy. The problem is tat the whole health thing has never been Embiid's strong suit.
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Why isn't Joel Embiid playing tonight?
Embiid is out on Tuesday due to injury.
He's actually recovering from an appendectomy, which is what's listed on the NBA's official injury report.
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When is Joel Embiid coming back?
Embiid's return is still to be determined, and it might not be for at least a few more games.
He had his surgery on April 9.
A social media injury analyst shared that the average time it takes an NBA player to come back from an appendectomy is 23 days.
That would take Embiid to the start of May -- only Game 7 of 76ers-Celtics is scheduled next month (May 2).
The 76ers might be done before Embiid is back, unless he rushes his return.
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