Getty

Joel Embiid had a hilarious take on the Pirates' season opener

As soon as the week of the NBA Play-In Tournament approached, it was clear the Philadelphia 76ers were going to enter their battle for the seventh seed shorthanded, missing their star center, Joel Embiid.

Just last week, Embiid underwent surgery for appendicitis. The star center suddenly missed the final three games of the regular season, after being hopeful of a healthy playoff run for the first time in years.

The Sixers haven’t made the playoffs just yet, but their battle for a position in the Eastern Conference bracket is coming without the star center.

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)

Fortunately, Embiid managed to show face for the first time since the surgery on Wednesday night. As the Sixers prepared for their clash with the Orlando Magic at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, Embiid was seen in the locker room pregame by reporters in attendance.

via Adam Aaronson, Philly Voice: Joel Embiid is here. Walked into the Sixers locker room briefly with VJ Edgecombe during the open media period. Embiid ended up returning to the locker room a few moments after this and was greeted by many teammates passing in and out. It was clearly the first time he has been around since his appendectomy.

Joel Embiid Spotted On The Sixers’ Bench

As the first half of the Sixers-Magic matchup played out, Embiid was spotted on the team’s bench. The seven-time All-Star was making sure to support his guys as they worked on clinching a playoff spot for the first time since the 2024 postseason.

Fans were excited to find out that Embiid was around. Here are some of the reactions on social media:

Hoosier_Embiid: That Embiid questionable game 3 article is gonna hit like crack

SixersScope: My glorious king’s presence in the arena will be enough for the team to pull out a win

dfuzecr_: He will be ready for game 1

Alex Noge: Win it for Jo

MIT_Phillyfan: im glad hes able to at least see the game in person

Mear_Seals: Game 3 Joel loading!!

The 76ers haven’t placed a timeline on Embiid’s recovery just yet. Most medical predictions typically stated he could be out between 2-4 weeks. However, every case is different. And Embiid would not only have to recover, he would have to quickly ramp up to play high-level basketball.

A return to the court in the playoffs is far from a guarantee.

A Massive Blow For The Sixers

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at the Wells Fargo Center on November 04, 2023 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)

Unfortunately, injuries have been a major part of Embiid’s career.

While the star center has put together a Hall of Fame resume, his setbacks tend to leave him coming up short. As the Wednesday night broadcast pointed out, Embiid has never played in more than 68 games in a season. He played in just 51% of available games throughout his career.

After racking up plenty of personal accolades throughout his career, Embiid wanted to prioritize being as healthy as possible for a 2026 playoff run. Once again, a setback will hold him out for key matchups down the stretch.