Joel Embiid is out for Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament clash between the Orlando Magic (45-37) and the Philadelphia 76ers (45-37), which tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
Embiid was a late scratch on April 9 due to appendix surgery. He will miss his fourth consecutive game tonight, with his NBA Playoffs availability in question. Will Embiid play in the playoffs?
Below, we'll break down the latest Joel Embiid injury update, if he will participate in the playoffs, and who to target on PrizePicks with Embiid out tonight vs. the Magic.
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How Long Is Joel Embiid Out For?
The NBA injury report currently lists Embiid as out from appendectomy surgery recovery for tonight’s game vs. the Magic. This marks his fourth consecutive absence due to the injury, as he’s only about one week removed from surgery.
The former MVP continues to be plagued by injuries. He missed 13 consecutive games from March 1 to March 23 due to a strained oblique. After playing in five of seven contests from March 25 to April 6, another long-term absence could be ahead.
How long could Embiid be out?
Joel Embiid Recovery Time
Recovery time from appendix surgery is anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the significance of the surgery. Furthermore, a full recovery can take up to six weeks.
Shams Charania of ESPN stated on Sunday that Embiid is not expected to participate in the Play-In Tournament. If the 76ers lose tonight, they will get their last shot at a playoff spot on Friday, April 17.
Frankly, Embiid could still be weeks away from returning to action.
Will Joel Embiid Play in the Playoffs?
Following the injury news on April 9, Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice cited some previous appendectomies in the NBA.
Channing Frye and Nikola Mirotic could be the best examples, as each player returned in about one month. If that’s the case for Embiid, this would mean another three weeks out of the rotation.
If Philadelphia earns a playoff spot in the Play-In Tournament, Game 1 of its playoff series would begin on April 19. Depending on if the Sixers earn the No. 7 or No. 8 seed, they will face the No. 2 seed Celtics or the No. 1 seed Pistons.
Defeating either team without Embiid is likely a long shot. If Philly can extend the first round, Game 7 would be on May 3.
Assuming Embiid misses about one month from this surgery, the 76ers would likely need to advance to the conference semifinals to get their superstar center back on the court.
For now, Philadelphia must find ways to win without its second-leading scorer. How does Embiid’s injury impact 76ers player picks on Wednesday?
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What Players to Target on PrizePicks with Embiid Out?
Embiid has played in only 38 games this season, meaning Philadelphia has plenty of practice replacing his production.
According to FantasyLabs, 76ers F Paul George (+3.8%), G VJ Edgecombe (2.8%), and G Tyrese Maxey (+2.4%) see the largest increases in usage rate when Embiid is out.
Philly C Adem Bona started in the last three games, but he logged only 17.0 minutes per game. Sixers C Andre Drummond recorded 27.3 minutes per game over the past three games, surpassing 19.5 minutes per contest for the season.
Here are the 76ers players who may benefit most on PrizePicks with Embiid out — and their stat projections for Wednesday night.
- F Paul George — 21.5 Points / 31.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 39 Fantasy Score
- G VJ Edgecombe — 16.5 Points / 27 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 33.5 Fantasy Score
- C Andre Drummond — 6.5 Points / 18.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
Since returning from suspension, George has played in eight games with at least 28 minutes. In this split, the nine-time All-Star posted 24.0 points per game (PPG) while shooting 47.9% from the field.
Pick More or Less 76ers player stats on PrizePicks now before 7:30 p.m. ET tip.
Make Magic vs. 76ers Picks on PrizePicks
The 76ers must navigate the Play-In Tournament without Embiid, and his absence will likely extend to the first round of the NBA Playoffs. George is one player who could help replace Embiid’s production.
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