Getty

Joel Embiid has been playing under a minutes restriction this season.

After the Philadelphia 76ers realized they were heading for a matchup in the NBA Play-In Tournament, it was assumed that Joel Embiid had a slim shot at playing.

The star center underwent surgery not even a week ago. Embiid was discharged from a hospital in Houston, Texas, three days ago, after a successful appendectomy.

The Sixers announced that they did not have a timeline in place for Embiid’s potential return this season. The veteran center was ruled out for the final two regular-season games. The NBA insider Shams Charania delivered the news about Embiid’s Play-In status on Monday.

via Underdog NBA: Shams: Joel Embiid (appendectomy recovery) expected to be out for Play-In Tournament.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 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)

While the situation was to be expected, the Sixers are still in a tough spot. Clearly, they are tougher to beat with Embiid’s two-way dominance on the court.

This season, Embiid appeared in 38 games for the Sixers. The veteran center produced 26.9 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds per game and 3.9 assists per game.

Many considered Embiid an All-Star snub when he was left out of the game back in February.

Who Are The Sixers Facing For The No. 7 Seed?

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 5: Tyrese Maxey #0 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 5, 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

After Sunday’s slate, the Sixers learned they would be facing the Orlando Magic at home.

The game will take place on Wednesday night.

Without Embiid in the mix, the Sixers are going to rely on Tyrese Maxey to carry the weight of a 1A star.

This season, Maxey has appeared in 70 games for Philadelphia. During that time, he averaged 28.3 points per game, 6.6 assists per game, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Maxey finished the year by leading the league in minutes per game (38.0).

Wednesday marks the first postseason action for the Sixers since the 2023-2024 season. The last time the Sixers were in the NBA Play-In Tournament, they won their first game for the No. 7 seed.

If the Sixers seal the deal against the Magic, they will pick up a first-round series against the Boston Celtics. If they fall short, the Sixers will have to take on the Miami Heat or the Charlotte Hornets for No. 8.