The nightmare begins again for 76ers fans. As the postseason approaches, the Pennsylvania franchise has just lost its cornerstone: Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy this Thursday in Houston.

The timing was disastrous.

With just ten days until the start of the playoffs (April 18) and less than a week before the play-in tournament, the Cameroonian center's absence leaves a huge void. While the surgery was successful, the Sixers' statement remains vague about the length of his absence.

Typically, such a recovery period ranges from 14 to 30 days . This timeline almost certainly rules Embiid out of the start of the season.

The giant with feet of clay

This latest forced absence adds to an already lengthy medical history. Despite his exceptional talent, the 2023 MVP seems trapped in a never-ending cycle of injuries.

1. Only 38 games played this season (out of 79).
2. Yet the statistics are stellar: 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds on average.
3. The team's total dependence on his presence on the court.

"When he's there, Philadelphia are contenders for the title. When he's out, the Sixers are searching for their identity."

The Sixers on the brink of disaster

Currently 8th in the Eastern Conference (43-36), Nick Nurse's men are in the thick of a battle to avoid the qualifying tournament. While they are mathematically still in contention for the 6th seed, which grants direct qualification, the absence of their franchise player transforms this mission into an Everest climb.

The timeline of truth:

1. Sunday: End of the regular season (final standings will be determined).
2. April 14: Start of the Play-in (playoffs).
3. April 18: First round of the Play-offs.

Without their control tower, do the 76ers have the shoulders broad enough to survive the intensity of the playoffs? The city of brotherly love holds its breath, but doubt has firmly taken hold.