More than a decade into his NBA career, the Sixers still aren't sure whether Joel Embiid is able to hold up physically for a deep playoff run. Even before Embiid needed a surprise appendectomy in the final few days of the regular season this year, he was already among the biggest what-if players in NBA history . can't help but feel bad for Joel pic.twitter.com/LmZxj0CVGj — Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 10, 2026 Embiid somehow managed to return from said appendectomy ahead of Game 4 of the Sixers' first-round series against the Boston Celtics. He then helped the Sixers mount a furious rally and overcome a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in franchise history. After Game 7, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla pointed to Embiid's return as the turning point in the series. "What changed in the series was Joel Embiid came back." Joe Mazzulla on what made the difference in the Celtics' series against the 76ers. pic.twitter.com/pMdKLcdxRA — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 3, 2026 What did it cost? Everything.…