The Philadelphia 76ers face a challenging start to their playoff run as they prepare to be without Joel Embiid, who is dealing with appendicitis. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the team is gearing up to start their first-round series against the Hornets without their key player. In Embiid’s absence, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey are expected to play pivotal roles. There remains a possibility that Embiid could return later in the series, though nothing is confirmed.