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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first 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)

Skip Bayless made a lot of noise for his comments regarding the Philadelphia 76ers center, Joel Embiid, ahead of the team’s Play-In game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

According to Bayless, Embiid could’ve played in Wednesday’s game, but chose not to.

“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,” Bayless said on Gil’s Arena.

“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?”

As much as Bayless caught attention, he caught heat for his comments. Notable injury analyst David J. Chao took to social media to react to Bayless’ claim. He suggested that Embiid getting cleared for the Wednesday night action would be “hard to believe.”

Injury Analyst Reacts To Joel Embiid Report

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Wells Fargo Center on June 20, 2021 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

via David J. Chao on X: I find it hard to believe that any surgeon would clear an athlete for sports this quickly after appendectomy. My 2 week return possiblility is already fast but days??? Discussed in today’s #ProFootballDocPodcast

Most doctors in the sports medicine field who have commented on Embiid’s situation suggested his recovery could be anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

By the time the Sixers were gearing up for the Play-In action, Embiid was still within the first week of his diagnosis. The recovery and healing time would be extremely fast.

For what it’s worth, Embiid’s personal trainer, Drew Hanlen, also weighed in on the situation after the report surfaced. He made it clear that Embiid was not sitting out for no reason.

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.”

Will Joel Embiid Miss The Playoffs?

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 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)

With the Sixers defeating the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, they cracked a playoff bid and will meet the Boston Celtics for Game 1 on Sunday.

The Sixers haven’t placed an official timeline on Embiid’s recovery just yet, but the early indication is that Embiid is not going to be cleared for action at the start.

It’s too early to say if Embiid could miss the entire playoff run or not. His availability will likely depend on how the 76ers perform at the start of the playoffs, and how far into the first round they can take the Celtics.