Joel Embiid has been ruled out of the Sixers’ match against the Houston Rockets.
The team announced that Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery in Houston.
Embiid’s Absence Impacts Sixers’ Play-In Hopes
The game against the Rockets is the first leg of a back-to-back, concluding Friday night against the Pacers. Embiid was not initially listed on the injury report.
Along with Embiid, the Sixers will be without Cameron Payne and Johni Broome in Houston.
The Rockets will be missing Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. Tari Eason was listed as questionable due to illness.
Embiid’s Recent Playing Status
Embiid missed the Sixers’ win last Wednesday over the Wizards with an illness. He later said he was “pissed off” that he “wasn’t allowed to play basketball.”
Embiid played in two of the next three games, sitting out the second night of a back-to-back Saturday when the Sixers lost to the Pistons. He posted 34 points and 12 rebounds in a defeat to the Spurs on Monday.
Sixers’ Position in Eastern Conference Standings
The Sixers sit eighth in the Eastern Conference standings ahead of Thursday’s game against the Rockets.
Their odds of finishing in the East’s top six and avoiding the play-in tournament would take a serious hit with a loss to Houston.
The 43-36 Sixers face the 50-29 Rockets.