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Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to address appendicitis. The 76ers made two roster moves as a result.

Heading into Game 2 between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, Joel Embiid initially had a good shot at playing.

The star center was on the injury report, listed as probable. Considering he played every playoff matchup while probable at the release of the report, Wednesday didn’t seem any different–until it was.

Hours before the start of Game 2, the Sixers ruled out Joel Embiid. He is dealing with an ankle and hip-related setback. Before the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse explained that Embiid wasn’t in great spirits after getting word that he wasn’t cleared to play.

What Did Nick Nurse Say About Joel Embiid?

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“He’s really disappointed,” Nurse said before the game on Wednesday.

“He really wants to be out there. Coming back from that appendectomy so quickly was not easy for him to do. He has worked extremely hard to get back, and he continues to want to play badly. I feel really bad for him because he really wants to be out there, and we want him out there. Our medical team and everybody just ruled him out. He just couldn’t go. I just know that from his reaction, he was genuinely sad.”

Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis during the final week of the 2025-2026 regular season. He underwent surgery, which put his playoff availability in question.

The 76ers got the star center back on the court 17 days after surgery. He debuted against the Boston Celtics for Game 4, and hasn’t missed any action prior to Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Knicks.

After Game 2, Paul George spoke about the veteran star.

Paul George Addresses Joel Embiid’s Setback

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 15: Paul George #8 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Orlando Magic at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 15, 2026 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)

“Jo wanted to be out there with us,” George told reporters.

“He wanted to play. I think he’s kind of prepared himself now to do whatever he can to try to be available for us in Game 3, so I kind of think he’s round-the-clock, putting in as much work doing whatever he needs to do or can do to try to be available. If he’s not, we totally understand, but we know he’s giving the effort to try and get ready for us.”

The 76ers lost Game 1 against the Knicks with a lopsided 137-98 score. The Game 2 action concluded with a 108-102 score. George finished the game with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Embiid’s status for Friday’s Game 3 action is unknown.