Heading into the most important game of the season for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has been ruled out.
When the Sixers initially revealed their injury report on Wednesday night, Embiid was left off. That meant the star center was available.
On Thursday afternoon, that all changed. The Sixers downgraded Embiid’s status to out. An announcement from the team revealed that Embiid would have to undergo surgery due to appendicitis. He will miss his third matchup in five games.
Philadelphia 76ers Fans React To Joel Embiid’s Latest Update
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Here’s how Sixers fans on Reddit responded to the news:
“The most Sixers s*** ever,” PJ1336 wrote.
“This franchise is legitimately cursed,” another fan added.
“He will be out at least 2-4 weeks, probably. Were cooked. F***** Philly special,” myonlymindstate commented.
“This is legit unbelievable. This man is cursed,” GreenTheOlive said.
“Genuinely, is there an athlete in the history of sports who has played as long as Embiid has, reached the heights he has, who has been more cursed in terms of injuries and illnesses?” leyendadelflash wrote.
“I justâ¦what? Iâm beyond shell-shocked at this point. Thereâs a legitimate curse on this franchise,” said jackpackage732.
“Most unlucky player in sports history,” SeaDevil30 added.
A Critical Moment vs Houston Rockets
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 and Keaton Wallace #2 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 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)
The Sixers don’t have any room for error. If they want a guaranteed spot in the NBA Playoffs, they need to win the final three games of the season.
The Rockets are surging with a seven-game winning streak going. Not only are the Sixers clearly a much better team when Embiid is on the floor, but his history against Houston’s Alperen Sengun is favorable.
The 76ers have won three out of four games when both star centers are involved. Embiid averages 33.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists against Sengun.
When the two teams played back in January, Sengun was held to just 13 points.
The Embiid-less Sixers and the Rockets are slated for an 8 PM ET tip.
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