April 20, 2026
According to multiple reporters in Boston, the Sixers said on Monday afternoon that Joel Embiid has started a strength and conditioning program as he recovers from the emergency appendectomy performed after his appendicits diagnosis on April 9.
Joel Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 20, 2026
Sixers say Joel Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program post-appendectomy.
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) April 20, 2026
Sixers announced Embiid has started strength and conditioning workouts. @OnPattison
— Bob Cooney (@Bobcooney1076) April 20, 2026
The Sixers have remained hopeful that Embiid could return before the end of their seven-game first-round series against the Boston Celtics, but any expectation of that sort likely hinges on the team winning at least one game without the former NBA MVP.
MORE: What went wrong in Game 1, Sixers' potential tweaks for Game 2
