Joel Embiid Injury Update, Status for 76ers vs. Magic in NBA Play-In Tournament

The Philadelphia 76ers will be without one of their stars as they look to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

As the team takes on the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament on Wednesday, Joel Embiid will be sidelined while he continues to recover from a successful appendectomy last week. The star center is listed as out on the injury report.

Embiid was ruled out of the 76ers' contest last Thursday against the Houston Rockets and underwent surgery that night. His absence came at a crucial time, as Philadelphia was fighting to avoid a play-in tournament appearance.

The Sixers lost the matchup against the Rockets before winning their final two games of the season, but that wasn't quite enough to help them secure the No. 6 seed.

Of course, ensuring Embiid made a full recovery was the first priority for the 76ers.

"It is a tough blow," head coach Nick Nurse told reporters last week. "I think that the biggest thing right now is that Joel comes out of the surgery as best as possible and all that goes well. That's where most of my thoughts are right now."

With Embiid out for Wednesday's pivotal matchup, star guard Tyrese Maxey will look to lead the way for Philadelphia. The Sixers will also need a big night from Paul George, who has put together some solid performances since returning from a suspension.

A win would hand Philadelphia a first-round matchup against the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics, with Game 1 being on Sunday. A loss would mean the 76ers would have to face either the Miami Heat or Charlotte Hornets, with the No. 8 seed on the line.

The likelihood of Embiid returning for a second play-in game on Friday seems low, but he'll look to make it back on the court for Philadelphia's potential first-round matchup.