Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery in Houston, the team announced.
The 76ers are in town to play the Rockets as they cling to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference with three games remaining in the regular season. Embiid had already been ruled out for Thursday's game because of an illness.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix that causes pain in the lower right part of the belly, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Philadelphia (43-36) visits the Indiana Pacers on Friday before ending the season at home against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The 76ers are one game back of the Toronto Raptors for the No. 6 seed to avoid participating in the play-in tournament.
Embiid is averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 38 games this season. He left Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs with an ankle injury.
The seven-time All-Star had come out publicly against the organization over his playing status, as they ruled him out of a game earlier this month after he had missed a morning practice. Embiid said he found out through social media that he would not be playing.
"I was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball," said Embiid, who has missed time this season because of right knee, shin and oblique injuries. "I wasn't allowed to play basketball, so I think this is more of a question of Daryl Morey or whoever makes the decisions."
Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonight’s Western Conference clash between Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, with the model pinpointing several standout opportunities.
By analyzing the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve uncovered the bets with the highest value.
For those building their cards, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Thursday, April 9.
Lakers vs Warriors computer picks for April 9
Lakers
Warriors
James u25.5 points +100
Melton o14.5 points -135
Ayton u8.5 rebounds -125
Green o4.5 rebounds -220
Hachimura o1.5 3-pointers -150
Melton o1.5 3-pointers -170
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Lakers computer picks
LeBron James Under 25.5 points (+100)
Projection: 25.3 points
The Los Angeles Lakers have operated at the league’s eighth-slowest pace on the road this season, and with the Golden State Warriors ranking seventh-slowest over their last 20 games, this matchup sets up for a reduced number of possessions.
That slower tempo limits overall opportunities for the Lakers and, in turn, caps how often LeBron James can assert himself offensively in the way they’ll likely need.
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Deandre Ayton Under 8.5 rebounds (-125)
Projection: 8.4 rebounds
The Lakers rank as the NBA’s second-worst offensive rebounding team this season, a trend that aligns with Deandre Ayton consistently falling short of this rebounding line.
He’s gone Under in seven of his last 10 games at an 8.5-rebound mark, making another miss on this prop a realistic outcome.
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Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 made threes (-150)
Projection: 2.3 made threes
The matchup against the Warriors sets up well for three-point production, as opposing starting small forwards have posted a league-high 47.0% 3-point rate against them this season — creating a favorable path for Rui Hachimura to cash the Over from deep tonight.
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Warriors computer picks
De'Anthony Melton Over 14.5 points (-135)
Projection: 15.4 points
Over their last five home games, the Lakers have allowed opposing starting point guards to average 6.2 free-throw attempts per game — the fourth-highest mark in the league — making it easier to generate points at the line.
That trend bodes well for De'Anthony Melton to boost his scoring output by attacking and drawing fouls.
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Draymond Green Over 4.5 rebounds (-220)
Projection: 6.6 rebounds
The Warriors rank 10th in offensive rebounding over their last 25 games, setting up a favorable spot for Draymond Green to exceed a modest line.
He’s already gone Over in five of his last 10 games at a 5.5-rebound number, making this another strong opportunity to do so.
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De'Anthony Melton Over 1.5 made threes (-170)
Projection: 2.3 3-pointers
Melton has only cleared this 1.5 made threes line in four of his last 10 games, but the surface-level hit rate doesn’t fully capture the upside in this matchup.
The matchup against the Lakers adds a layer of optimism. The Lakers have consistently allowed clean looks from beyond the arc, particularly to opposing guards, due to their tendency to collapse into the paint and prioritize interior defense.
That style naturally creates kick-out opportunities, exactly the type of looks Melton thrives on as a catch-and-shoot option.
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How to watch Lakers vs Warriors tonight
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.
Join us live on Saturday afternoon for the show where we’ll recap the Pistons’ recent stretch of games. How do you hope the play-in tournament shakes out? Will the NBA bypass the 65-game requirement for Cade Cunningham’s circumstance? What team are you most afraid to potentially see in the postseason?
Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.
The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 7: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 7, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The NBA fined the Orlando Magic $25,000 on Thursday for violating league injury reporting rules before Monday night's home game against the Detroit Pistons.
The Magic reported point guard Anthony Black as out on its initial injury report. After missing 15 games with an abdominal strain, Black returned and scored 14 points with two assists and two steals in 15 minutes for Orlando in its 123-107 win over Detroit.
In announcing the fine, the NBA said the Magic failed to accurately disclose Black's game availability status.
Black, a third-year player from Arkansas, is averaging 15.1 points and 3.8 assists in 62 games, including 40 starts.
Both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets desperately need a win tonight, but with Joel Embiid sidelined due to illness, Philadelphia faces a stiff test to snap Houston’s seven-game winning streak.
My 76ers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks expect Philadelphia’s weaknesses to show early, including star point guard Tyrese Maxey struggling from deep on Thursday, April 9.
76ers vs Rockets prediction
76ers vs Rockets best bet: Tyrese Maxey Under 2.5 threes (+102)
In a week filled with two-way players seeing ample playing time and sportsbooks worrying about over-exposure to Unders on player props, it is a bit refreshing to see a mispriced prop like this.
Tyrese Maxey is a solid shooter. Before his pinkie injury in early March, the Philadelphia 76ers’ guard was shooting 37.3% from deep, making 3.3 per game.
However, Maxey has not been humming since his return, connecting on just 10-for-32 attempts from deep in his last six contests. Those struggles have been further emphasized when Joel Embiid is sidelined, as Maxey is just 3-for-10 from distance in those two matchups.
Those facts alone would justify this bet, but then realizing Maxey is about to play the Houston Rockets cements this value.
The Rockets rank No. 7 in the NBA in limiting opponents’ attempts from deep, giving up 3-pointers on just 40% of foes’ shot attempts. Houston is also No. 5 in opponent 3-point percentage, with teams making just 35% of those long-range attempts.
This prop would be too high against just about any opponent; at plus-money, it is aggressively mispriced against the Rockets.
76ers vs Rockets same-game parlay
Houston is currently riding a seven-game winning streak, which has happened to see six Overs cash.
76ers vs Rockets SGP
Tyrese Maxey Under 2.5 threes
Over 227
Rockets moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Pack It In Philly
Philadelphia is desperately trying to stay in the preferred Play-In game in the East. It holds the tiebreaker against both Orlando and Charlotte, but it cannot afford to lose more than one of its remaining three games.
Combining the Houston spread with Unders on Maxey’s and VJ Edgecombe’s points props is a correlated thought: if the Rockets build a healthy lead, the 76ers may fold early to better set themselves up for success tomorrow in Indiana and on Sunday against the Bucks.
76ers vs Rockets SGP
Tyrese Maxey Under 2.5 threes
Over 227
Rockets -5.5
Tyrese Maxey Under 28.5 points
VJ Edgecombe Under 15.5 points
76ers vs Rockets odds
Spread: 76ers +5.5 (-110) | Rockets -5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +180 | Rockets -220
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
76ers vs Rockets betting trend to know
Houston is 4-2 against the spread in its last six games. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Rockets.
How to watch 76ers vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSP, SCHN
76ers vs Rockets latest injuries
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This much we know: The NBA owners have scheduled a vote for May 28 on steps to reform the NBA Draft Lottery and install their latest anti-tanking measures, news broken by Shams Charania of ESPN.
What we don't know: What the owners will be voting on.
There is no consensus among owners on which anti-tanking measures the league should use, reports Anthony Slater at ESPN. Last month, the league put forward three concepts for the owners to consider to "fix" tanking, and all of them expanded the lottery to at least 18 teams and flattened the lottery odds.
The trouble for the league is the wide array of opinions on what exactly is the best fix and the fact that many of the favored concepts -- like flipping the benefits for lottery odds from losses to wins midseason -- are extremely difficult to explain simply to the casual consumer.
One idea that reportedly has some momentum gives the 10 teams that do not make the playoffs or play-in an 8% chance at the No. 1 pick, and the remaining odds (20%) get divided among the eight play-in teams.
The disconnect about tanking around the league is more fundamental — tanking has become an intrinsic part of a rebuild, and teams are not eager to do away with a tool they may want to use in the future.
"There is an aspect of team building that is called a genuine rebuild, rebuild with integrity," Silver said recently after the NBA Board of Governors meeting. "The problem we're having these days is it's become almost impossible to distinguish between a tank and a rebuild."
That's because tanking and rebuilding are intertwined: If a team is trying to do a tear-it-down total rebuild, then there will be a couple of seasons of tanking in there to give themselves the best odds of getting the kind of players who can get them wins and change a franchise. Every team tanking — even the ones the league thinks are doing it "unethically" (whatever that means in this case) — is literally doing it to improve their chances of landing a star player that can help turn a franchise around.
Fans are on board with tanking — right now in Utah the fan base is all in on tanking for this season to add another piece of the puzzle that will turn things around next season. That is true in Washington and Sacramento and Indiana and across the league with the nine teams considered to be tanking the final month of the season.
The NBA's problem with this level of tanking is it's a business, and while those fans may want their teams to tank for a season or two, those same fans go to fewer games and watch less of them while it is happening — the NBA tracks attendance and viewership of tanking teams and there is a steep drop off.
The league's other challenge is this: Put more teams in the lottery and flatten the odds and you may remove incentives for a team to tank, but the league also makes it much tougher for bad teams to get the good players they need to turn things around — teams will have to be bad and tank longer to get the players they need.
There is no easy answer here, but Silver said, "We are going to fix it… full stop." So the owners are going to vote on something come May 28.
Nothing makes a stronger case for a 72-game NBA season with significant draft lottery reform than tonight’s starting lineups for the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets.
My Pacers vs. Nets predictions and NBA picks recognize that one of these teams wants to lose more than the other — which is saying something — on Thursday, April 9.
Pacers vs Nets prediction
Pacers vs Nets best bet: Pacers -3 (-110)
The most obsessed of NBA fanatics will struggle to comprehend the lineups from both the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets tonight.
It would be quicker to point out recognized players that will start, but that would require faith that the teams will not bench someone late in the afternoon.
Instead, focus on the known factors.
The Pacers have done everything they can to secure a top-four pick in the 2026 NBA draft, a necessity to keep their pick.
Meanwhile, the Nets are fighting with the Jazz and the Kings for top-three lottery odds.
Remember, in the current system, the worst-three records in the NBA yield a 14.0% chance at the No. 1 pick, while the No. 5 team in that conversation has “only” a 10.5% chance.
This loss means something to Brooklyn.
Yes, this is a system that needs to be adjusted, but until it is, one can justifiably and cynically expect the Nets to find a way to lose this game. With a spread within a bucket, that loss is likely to be one ATS as well.
Pacers vs Nets same-game parlay
As the Pacers and Nets have put the finishing touches on their respective tanks, they have both veered toward the Under.
Indiana has surprisingly leaned into its misery this week, inducing two Unders in its last two games, while Brooklyn has been an Under team all season long (cashing 45 in 79 games), including notching Unders in five of its last seven contests.
Pacers vs Nets SGP
Pacers -3
Under 224.5
1H Under 109
Our "from downtown" SGP: Nets Early, Pacers Late
Consider this a value play.
In a game that is likely to be decided by one team’s stubborn insistence on losing, the lead flipping after halftime should not be worth such an aggressive payout.
Pacers vs Nets SGP
Pacers -3
Nets 1H +1.5
Under 224.5
Pacers vs Nets odds
Spread: Pacers -3 (-110) | Nets +3 (-110)
Moneyline: Pacers -155 | Nets +130
Over/Under: Over 224.5 (-110) | Under 224.5 (-110)
Pacers vs Nets betting trend to know
Indiana was last favored on Feb. 19, marking a stretch of 23 games since then. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Nets.
How to watch Pacers vs Nets
Location
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Date
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-IN, YES
Pacers vs Nets latest injuries
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Apr 8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Coming off a win against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Spurs battled the Portland Trail Blazers for the last time this season. Due to injuries suffered in the last game, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle were ruled out. As a result, Dylan Harper and Luke Kornet started in their places. After outscoring the Blazers 32-23 at the end of the first quarter, both teams struggled to shoot from three (aside from Carter Bryant). The Spurs took a 10-point lead into halftime and took a 15-point lead into the fourth. After the Blazers cut the lead down to six late, the Spurs sank the Blazers with a dagger three from De’Aaron Fox. In a defensive and scrappy game, the Spurs ultimately took down the Blazers 112-101.
De’Aaron Fox led the way with 25 points (10-20 FG, 3-6 3PT), seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. With his backcourt running mate out, Fox took control of the offense to start. His three-point shot looked pure, along with his midrange pull-ups and finishes. He was also quick with the dimes in both the frontcourt and the fastbreaks from the backcourt. As the regular season draws to a close, the Spurs look forward to Fox giving them insurance games like this one from Fox for their postseason run.
Too quick! On the fastbreak, Fox speeds past Deni Avdija for the quick layup to dunk!
Beautiful play! Fox gets his defender in the air, passes it to Harrison Barnes, who passes it back to Fox, who then immediately lobs it to Luke Kornet for the alley-oop slam!
Run the floor! On another fastbreak, Fox drives to the three-point line, gets doubled, and in a flash throws a pass to a cutting Kornet for the open slam!
Keldon Johnson dropped 20 points (8-15 FG, 4-5 FT), eight rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist. KJ led the charge off the bench and went to work in the paint. No matter who was guarding him, KJ drove and took his time making his presence known to the Blazers’ defensive line. He shot over 50% from the field and got to the free-throw line. He also nearly grabbed double-digit rebounds. This game helps put the finishing touches on a Sixth Man of the Year-type season for KJ.
TOO STRONG! KJ drives past Murray and finishes through contact off the glass for the and-one!
Carter Bryant dropped a career-high 17 points (5-6 3PT), five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. Carter played 25 minutes off the bench and provided the Spurs with the best game of his rookie season. Portland was leaving him open at the three-point line, so Carter was taking what the defense gave him. The result? A career-high five threes on six attempts. He was also active on the boards and dished out several dimes. His bench production, along with KJ’s, allowed the Spurs to completely obliterate Portland’s bench.
GET OUT OF HIS WAY! Carter drives in on former Spur Sidy Cissoko and completely takes him out of the play, which results in a pass to a wide-open Kornet on the dunk!
In a scrappy game, the Spurs, while shorthanded, came out on top. Fox showed up and showed out. KJ followed, and CB earned a spot in the playoff rotation according to Mitch Johnson. In his third start, Harper dropped 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Kornet also dropped 10 points (5-6 FG), six assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. Despite missing both Castle and Wemby, this team continues to prove how deep they are, and their potential come playoff time is as high as the championship.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks for the final time this season on Friday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on KENS.
There's plenty at stake when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Miami is jockeying for a better play-in position while Toronto tries to hold on to the No. 6 seed and avoid the play-in completely.
This is a rematch from two days ago and my Heat vs. Raptors predictions expect Toronto to win again. Here are my best free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash on April 9.
Heat vs Raptors prediction
Heat vs Raptors best bet: Raptors -3.5 (-110)
The Toronto Raptors clobbered the Miami Heat 121-95 on Tuesday. Toronto had a +12 rebounding margin and scored 70 points in the paint, while holding Miami to 36 FG%.
The Heat should shoot better but I don't trust their defense or ability to contest Toronto's length on the glass. They are 26th in the league in ppg allowed (126.3) over the last 15 games and have struggled away from home.
Meanwhile, the Raps are finally at full strength after dealing with key injuries all season. This should be closer than the last game, but Toronto will still win and cover.
Heat vs Raptors same-game parlay
Despite coming off the bench, Jamal Shead has become Toronto's best passer. He has dropped 6+ dimes in eight of his last 10 contests and is averaging 8.3 assists per game over that span.
Raps center Jakob Poeltl is finally healthy and has been scoring at a high efficiency inside. He has cleared 10.5 points in six of his last seven games and dropped 17 points against Miami on Wednesday.
Heat vs Raptors SGP
Raptors -3.5
Jamal Shead Over 5.5 assists
Jakob Poeltl Over 10.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Raptors Roll
Scottie Barnes is Toronto's best player and he should make the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career. He had one steal against Miami on Wednesday but had swiped 2+ steals in nine of his previous 10 games.
Heat vs Raptors SGP
Raptors -3.5
Jamal Shead Over 5.5 assists
Jakob Poeltl Over 10.5 points
Scottie Barnes Over 1.5 steals
Heat vs Raptors odds
Spread: Miami +3.5 | Toronto -3.5
Moneyline: Miami +140 | Toronto -165
Over/Under: Over 237 | Under 237
Heat vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Heat are 2-7 SU and 3-6 ATS in their last nine games away from home. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Raptors.
How to watch Heat vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-SU, SN
Heat vs Raptors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Dec 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) makes a three point basket during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jordan Clarkson’s season has been, in an odd way, a microcosm of the New York Knicks’ season that has encapsulated the team and their roller-coaster season.
The former Sixth Man of the Year, his playing time, and quality of play may not have the most direct correlation with when the Knicks’ peaks and valleys have come. But like the Knicks’ season, Clarkson has gone from looking good to bad, to really bad, to good again.
With his recent improved defensive energy, unexpected offensive rebounding, his scoring history, as well as his edge in experience over the likes of Jose Alvarado, Mo Diawara, and Tyler Kolek, he will get the first lick at securing a consistent role off the bench. And you can compile a strong case that he deserves it.
This may not seem like a big deal. And there is a chance that it doesn’t end up hurting the team significantly. But there are a few reasons why it may. First of all, Mike Brown and the Knicks have emphasized upping the three-point attempts this season. Opposing teams will look to take away what the Knicks want to do, so coming by threes may prove to be even more difficult during the postseason.
Secondly, teams will also want to key in on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and make others beat them. If, and when Clarkson shares the floor with them, he must look to take threes. If he doesn’t, not only could he end up dribbling into what could be a crowded paint for a contested two, but it will continue to shrink the floor for the two stars that need as much spacing as possible. If Clarkson is even remotely hesitant about taking these attempts, it could make things more difficult for both Brunson and Towns.
The other positive is that Clarkson has been a solid three-point shooter over three of his last four playoff appearances. While those came in 2020-2022, he did shoot a decent 35.3% on 9.2 attempts per 36 minutes in 24 games during that span. And lastly, as you can see from the graph above, Clarkson is shooting 38% from the right corner this season, making 37 of 108 attempts. Surely, both the Knicks and Clarkson have this information, and could look to find more opportunities for him from that side. If that is the case, the veteran scorer could play a pivotal role in a few games off the bench.
But both the percentages and volume are still concerning enough over the 69 regular season games this year that I would keep a close eye on it. And as should be the case for any bench player not named Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride, and arguably Landry Shamet, his leash should be kept relatively short. On any given night, Diawara, given his size, defense, athleticism, and willingness to let it fly from three, could provide the Knicks with more of what they need. And while I don’t see it happening, there is even a strong case for Kolek to see some opportunities as well.
Clarkson will start the postseason as the de facto wing off the bench, and I can see why. He’s still capable of pouring in 15+ points on any given night, and we’ve seen bench players come in and change the trajectory of not just a playoff game, but a whole series. He’s one of the few players who could absolutely do that. His ball-handling, self-creation, scoring, cutting, and improved defensive intensity can prove to be key. But fans should hope that Brown, as he’s proven to be over the course of the season, will remain open to change and experimentation. The last thing the Knicks need, and the last thing the fans want, is a repeat situation of the Tom Thibodeau era, where the status quo was sticking with veterans regardless of quality of play, process, or results.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Thunder 119-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Nearly 11 months after tearing his right Achilles tendon at Madison Square Garden in the playoffs, Jayson Tatum is set to return for Thursday night’s Boston Celtics-New York Knicks matchup.
In a place he’s competed 14 times throughout his career, Tatum underwent his darkest NBA experience. So when asked after Tuesday night’s win over the Charlotte Hornets, whether or not he was looking forward to ripping the band-aid of returning to MSG, Tatum was straightforward.
“Nah, not really,” Tatum told reporters, per CLNS Media.
The last time Tatum took the floor at Madison Square Garden, he was assisted out of the building in a wheelchair in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. He clenched his face with both hands in the players’ tunnel and underwent surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon the following day. From there, Tatum faced nearly a year away from basketball, recovering, regaining strength, and working toward a return to prevent missing an entire season with the Celtics.
Tatum set that goal long before Boston took the floor without him to begin the 2025-26 campaign. On March 6, he made his official return against the Dallas Mavericks. On March 29, against Charlotte, Tatum recorded his first 30-point game, and then three days later, he notched his first triple-double (the fifth of his career) versus the Miami Heat.
As he checked box after box, taking steps toward getting acclimated while also delivering impactful minutes, Tatum knew the time would come to re-take the floor at Madison Square Garden.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on April 05, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Admittedly, Tatum hasn’t been able to remove it from his mind entirely.
“Yeah, I’ve thought about it,” he said. “I’m not thrilled to go back and play there. The last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me. Obviously, I knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there again.”
Tatum added: “It’s part of it. I decided to come back and play.”
The long-awaited return hasn’t been flawless. Tatum missed a wide-open tomahawk dunk against the Mavericks in his first game back, and his field-goal (41.9) and 3-point (33.8) percentages, so far, are beneath his career averages of 45.8 and 36.9 percent. His 8-of-15 shooting against Charlotte on Tuesday night marked just the third time Tatum has managed to shoot over 50 percent in a game.
Still, it hasn’t negatively impacted the Celtics, who are 13-2 with Tatum this season.
If Boston defeats New York on Thursday night, the win would officially clinch the No. 2 seed for the Celtics. So there are stakes involved in what should be a playoff-like environment at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have won their last five home games, including seven of their last 10. They’ve already beaten Boston twice in three previous meetings, meaning the Celtics could put their regular-season series with New York to rest with a 2-2 split in the finale.
Boston has gone 11-2 over its last 13 games, reinforcing its status as a threat to come out of the East and return to the NBA Finals for the third time in five seasons. It’s been 12 weeks since they overtook the Knicks for the No. 2 seed and held it. With three games left, Tatum and the Celtics understand the importance of maintaining that momentum entering the playoffs.
That’s what’s allowed them to keep their No. 2 seed for 12 straight weeks, and what’ll ultimately help them once they draw their first-round opponent officially.
“Just ramping up at the right time,” Tatum said. “Knowing that post All-Star break is pivotal for teams really trying to compete for a championship. And you want to be physically feeling your best as a unit, playing well together, clicking on all cylinders. And this year is no different. We’ve been playing extremely well going into the playoffs up to this point, and knowing that we’ve got a few games left to feel really good about ourselves and then find out who we’re going to play.”
Tatum could play a major role for the Celtics, who have ruled out Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis) and listed Derrick White and Neemias Queta as questionable for the marquee matchup.
He opened up during Thursday’s shootaround about the emotions of walking back into Madison Square Garden, now healthy and fresh off playing a season-high 39 minutes two days ago.
“Nervousness, anxiousness, all the things you probably would expect as a basketball player,” Tatum told reporters. “But it’s another game.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX -APRIL 6: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers takes a foul shot during game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on April 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Update, 8:41 p.m.: The Sixers announced Joel Embiid has successfully underwent an appendectomy.
Update, 6:30 p.m.: We’ve learned Joel Embiid is currently in surgery.
According to a team spokesperson, Joel Embiid woke up to intense stomach pain. He went to get checked out and it was determined that he had appendicitis. He is currently in surgery…..the pain was intense enough that he was immediately ruled out for tonight
There are wide ranges for athletes missing time after appendicitis. The most recent NBA player to undergo surgery for it is OG Anunoby, then a member of the Toronto Raptors, back in 2019. The outlook doesn’t seem great for a return this season.
Joel Embiid Medical Update: Appendectomies are relatively uncommon in the NBA but have occurred with players like Grant Hill & OG Anunoby undergoing the procedure. The average time lost for in-season surgery is ~23 days (10.2 games). Median = 18 days
This probably rules Embiid out for play-in games next week, which the Sixers are likely to play in at this point. If they somehow manage to be in a first-round series and keep it competitive, maybe there’s a chance of an Embiid return, but would that even be worth it?
Just another brutal break for the big fella.
Update, 3:30 p.m.: Only the Sixers.
The team announced that Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery in Houston this afternoon.
Here’s hoping everything turns out OK for Embiid and he can return for whatever the postseason looks like for the Sixers.
Of all the things the Sixers could least afford to happen ahead of their most important game of the season, Joel Embiid being ruled out is probably at the top.
The star center has officially been ruled out with an illness against the Houston Rockets, according to the 1:15 p.m. injury report.
Just last week, there was a great deal of drama as Embiid was dealing with an illness and missed shootaround in D.C. before the team took on the Wizards. The Sixers ruled him out while Embiid took to social media to claim the team was holding him out when he was ready to play. He also said after the team’s loss to the Heat in Miami last week that he played through an illness.
He came back for the Sixers’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves that Friday and voiced his displeasure postgame with being made to sit out the win over Washington:
“I was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn’t allowed to play basketball, so I think this is more of a question for Daryl Morey and whoever makes the decisions. Going into Miami, I was pretty sick, but I understood how important the game was and I still want to go out there and give us a chance to try to do something. … Felt a little better going into Washington. Definitely much better than I felt against Miami. Woke up [Wednesday], didn’t sleep until like 5 or 6 in the morning, with that, I couldn’t make it to shootaround. And then after that I found out online that I wasn’t playing that night. So, that kind of caught me off guard and that pissed me off. But then again, I guess they make the decisions, so it doesn’t matter what I think or not. I just got to follow. So, to answer your question, it’s more of a question for Daryl and them. I don’t know what’s going on. I just want to play basketball.”
We don’t have many details, but Tony Jones of The Athletic had this:
According to sources, Embiid reported feeling ill this morning. He is currently receiving medical treatment in Houston
With the Sixers vying for the sixth seed and final guaranteed playoff spot, the team really needed to be at full strength against a good Houston squad. Instead, they’ll have to figure out how to contain Rockets big man Alperen Sengun and the rest of the Rockets without Embiid.
A loss Thursday doesn’t guarantee the Sixers will be a play-in team, but things will not be looking good.
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