76ers' Embiid out of hospital; no timeline to play

SixersstarJoel Embiidhas been discharged from a Houston hospital and is heading back to Philadelphia, with the team saying Friday there is no set timeline for his return to the court.

Embiidunderwent emergency surgery Thursdayafter being diagnosed with appendicitis. The 76ers said Embiid's recovery will be managed by team physicians and his surgeon.

With Embiid out, the 76erslost 113-102to theRocketson Thursday and sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with two games to play (atPacerson Friday, vs.Buckson Sunday).

Based on the 76ers' results and other games, Philadelphia could still reach the playoffs as the No. 6 seed or fall as low as No. 10 for the play-in, which begins Tuesday.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse said Thursday that Embiid felt fine in practice Wednesday before his condition changed overnight.

"It is a tough blow," Nurse said. "I think that the biggest thing right now is that Joel comes out of the surgery as best as possible and all that goes well. That's where most of my thoughts are right now."

Embiid, 32, is averaging 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in 38 games this season.

EasyChamp's Tim Bontemps contributed to this report.