Joel Embiid Set for Appendicitis Surgery

Joel Embiid has appendicitis and will have surgery Thursday in Houston, the 76ers announced. He was already ruled out against the Rockets with an illness. Philadelphia expects to share a recovery timeline after the procedure. It’s another setback in an injury-heavy season for Embiid, who has dealt with knee and oblique issues. He’s averaging 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds when he plays. The Sixers enter Thursday eighth in the East at 43-36, so Tyrese Maxey will need to keep carrying a big load in the playoff push.