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Joel Embiid, Sixers star and potential Knicks trade target.

Before the Philadelphia 76ers tipped off against the Orlando Magic for the NBA Play-In Tournament game, popular sports talk host Skip Bayless made a major claim about Joel Embiid.

Less than one week after Embiid received surgery for appendicitis, Bayless reported that Embiid was cleared for Wednesday’s action. As many expected, Joel Embiid was ruled out for the night.

via Skip Bayless: “That’s what I was told. That it’s appendicitis, but it’s fine and went well. These days, they can just go quickly and pretty simply. And he could play if he chose to. So, now that’s like turmoil locker room kind of turmoil. Wait a second, big guy, you know, can you play?”

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)

The report went viral, of course, but mainly due to Bayless getting pushback on his comments. Among those who debunked the rumor was Embiid’s personal trainer, Drew Hanlen.

Hanlen Sets The Record Straight On Joel Embiid Rumor

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls during the second 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)

via Drew Hanlen on X: To set the record straight, this is 100% false. Nothing worse than when media members make up s*** for clicks & views then hide behind unnamed “sources.”

The fact is that the Sixers have not placed a recovery timeline on Embiid officially. While there have been multiple updates regarding the status of the star center, the Sixers have confirmed that a timeline would only be revealed as necessary.

So far, Embiid is still in the early stages of his recovery. It was reported at the top of the week that Embiid would miss the entire Play-In Tournament.

The Sixers Are Going To The Playoffs

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 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 needed to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night for the eighth seed, Embiid would’ve likely been out for that game as well.

However, a win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night allowed the Sixers to pick up a first-round series against the Boston Celtics. The series tips off on Sunday, April 19. Embiid’s status for that series is still up in the air.