76ers get discouraging update regarding Joel Embiid's playoff status originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Fans in Philadelphia shouldn't hold their breath when it comes to seeing star center Joel Embiid out on the court for the team's first-round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics. Embiid is currently recovering after undergoing an emergency appendectomy.

He was ruled out of the first game of the series, and his status for the series as a whole remains unlikely. According to ESPN's Jorge Sedano, Embiid hasn't even started basketball activity on his road to return, which means he's a while away from game action. Joel Embiid hasn't started basketball activity and his status for this series looks unlikely, per @Sedanopic.twitter.com/swGGDy5p0r— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 19, 2026This isn't necessarily a surprise.

It was always going to be a longshot for Embiid to return for first-round action given the timing of his appendectomy.Perhaps if the Sixers can meaningfully extend the series against Boston, the big man would be able to return, but their ability to do so seems unlikely. This story will be updated. More Philadelphia 76ers news: LeBron James compares Philadelphia 76ers to popular comic book villainSpurs starter gives 76ers major backhanded compliment for releasing himFormer Philadelphia 76ers head coach headed to Basketball Hall of FamePhiladelphia 76ers star named one of the purest scorers in NBA historyFormer 76ers, Lakers center announces retirement from basketball