For years, Joel Embiid has dealt with serious injuries that have sidelined him for a significant amount of time and prevented him from bringing the Philadelphia 76ers to the promised land. This season, Embiid took a step back and let the Sixers’ young core take the reins. But his misfortunes continued after he was diagnosed with appendicitis.
In early April, Embiid was hit with appendicitis symptoms, forcing him to seek immediate medical help and undergo an emergency appendectomy in Houston. He would be of action for 17 days, a stretch that saw him deal with a difficult physical setback. Ultimately, he overcame them and suited up in Game 4 of their first-round clash against the Boston Celtics. But while Embiid ended with 26 points and 13 rebounds, the Sixers lost 128-96.
According to ClutchPoints, Embiid revealed that after undergoing emergency surgery, he dealt with several complications that made his return more difficult. However, knowing the urgency for Philadelphia, he knew he needed to power through. “When this first started, I couldn’t walk going into the hospital. Just dealing with so many stuff. I don’t want to get into the details but it’s been tough. But that’s life…What am I gonna do? Cry about it?” Embiid said after the loss.
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Philly Fans Are Defending Embiid
Embiid has long faced criticism from segments of the fanbase, particularly regarding injuries and postseason availability. However, the details of his recovery and the complications he disclosed shifted the conversation. His ability to make it back in time for Game 4 highlighted the extent of what he had been dealing with behind the scenes.
Now, fans are coming to his defense and expressing their appreciation for all the blood, sweat and tears he has poured for the city. “I don’t know how Philly fans continue to hate on him. Literally all he does is put his body on the line for this city,” one fan said. Another one wrote, Thank you for suiting up and giving your all big fella. The REAL fans won’t ever question your ethic.”
Others lamented that the Sixers suffered their worst defeat of the series, with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe all struggling against Boston during Embiid’s return, of all games. “There’s gonna be some boomers replying to this, talking about how soft he is. Just incredible. Teammates let him down tonight,” one pointed out.
One passionate fan outright called people out for their unfair opinions of the big man. “People can call Joel injury-prone, glass body, fragile….But one thing you can’t call him is a Quitter and one thing you can call him is a Warrior & one thing you can’t accuse him of is not caring or not wanting to do whatever he can for his teammates and the 76ers,” the user said.
The Sixers will look to avoid elimination in Game 5. In other news, the New York Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves got into a brawl at the end of the game.
Published: Apr 27, 2026 05:00 pm