Multiple Sixers discuss losing Joel Embiid to appendicitis surgery

The Philadelphia 76ers dropped their third straight on Thursday as they fell to the Houston Rockets 113-102, but the main story and focus is on the loss of Joel Embiid.

The big fella was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to undergo surgery in Houston before the game. Obviously, Embiid will miss time and will be sidelined for quite some time to finish the season and heading into the postseason.

With that being said, the Sixers are 19-23 on the season without Embiid. They will need to figure it out with two games remaining before Philadelphia begins its postseason run--likely in the play-in tournament.

"We did a better job of it early on," Tyrese Maxey told reporters of Philadelphia playing without Embiid. "We just got to play together, play the right way. Everybody has to shoot."

One has to believe Philadelphia's spirits are down. The Sixers have had to battle through so much just to get to this point and now Embiid is set to miss an extended period of time at the absolute worst time for Philadelphia. With two games left, the goal is just to win games and get ready for what's ahead.

"The biggest thing is try to win a game," Maxey added. "Win the game tomorrow (Friday in Indiana). Win the game against Milwaukee. Winning always boosts spirits. No matter what the scenario is emotionally. That’s what we'll try to do."

The Sixers did announce during the contest with the Rockets that Embiid did undergo successful surgery and that further updates would be provided. After the loss, coach Nick Nurse didn't have any updates on Embiid from his perspective.

"I do not at this time," Nurse stated to reporters. "I probably have some more information for you tomorrow. I do not at this time."

This is the way it is for now for Philadelphia. The Sixers will look to get things going without Embiid when they take on the lowly Indiana Pacers on Friday to finish their 3-game road trip. Philadelphia needs a win in the worst way as it moves toward the postseason.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Multiple Sixers discuss losing Joel Embiid to appendicitis surgery