76ers Star Joel Embiid Undergoes Successful Appendicitis Surgery

The All-Star center will miss an undetermined number of games as he recovers.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's body fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the disruption caused by Embiid's injury.The 76ers must adapt their game plan without star center Joel Embiid, who underwent successful appendicitis surgery but faces an uncertain timeline for his return.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia 76ers announced that star center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and underwent successful surgery to remove his appendix. Embiid, who was having a strong season averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists, will now miss an undetermined number of games as he recovers from the procedure.

Why it matters

Embiid's health has been a major concern for the 76ers in recent seasons, and this latest setback comes at a critical time as the team fights for playoff positioning. The 76ers will have to find a way to stay competitive without their All-Star big man for the foreseeable future.

The details

According to the team, Embiid woke up with extreme stomach pain and was immediately evaluated by the 76ers' medical staff. He was then sent to Houston to undergo the appendicitis surgery, which the team reported was successful. There is no timeline yet for Embiid's return to the court, as he will need time to recover from the procedure.

  • On Thursday, April 10, 2026, the 76ers announced that Embiid had been diagnosed with appendicitis.
  • Embiid underwent successful surgery to remove his appendix later that day in Houston.

The players

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' seven-time NBA All-Star center who is averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game this season.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

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What they’re saying

“This timing seems difficult. We had an unbelievable day as a team yesterday. We had a great practice, a great film session. We were getting up and down the court and he was a part of all that. So, that's what hits you a little bit in the stomach when you get that news.”

— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

“But, it's where we are. We really have our thoughts and prayers with him that he gets through this surgery as healthy as possible, that he gets through it smooth and he has no complications.”

— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

What’s next

The 76ers did not provide a timeline for Embiid's return, but he will need time to recover from the appendicitis surgery before he can rejoin the team. His status for the start of the playoffs remains uncertain.

The takeaway

Embiid's health has been a persistent concern for the 76ers, and this latest setback is a significant blow as the team fights for playoff positioning. The team will have to find a way to stay competitive without their star center for the foreseeable future, testing their depth and resilience as they push towards the postseason.