The Sixers Monday announced that Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program. Sixers say Joel Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program post-appendectomy. Embiid is back in Philly and not with the team in Boston.

The Sixers have remained hopeful that Embiid could return before the end of their seven-game first-round series against the Boston Celtics, but any expectation of that sort likely hinges on the team winning at least one game without the former NBA MVP.

While the former MVP dealt with a variety of ailments this year, his presence has been crucial for the Sixers, who went 24-14 with him this season, compared to their 21-23 record without him. Embiid holds career playoff averages of 25.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 15 career playoff games against the Celtics.

In case you need reminding, go ahead and rewatch Sunday’s game to see how much the Sixers miss Joel Embiid when he’s out. The team looked hopeless without the big fella, getting crushed by the Boston Celtics 123-91 in Game 1 Sunday.

Drummond and Bona are coming off one of their better collective performances in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament win over Orlando. They are filling in for Embiid, whose status remains unclear.

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy last week. Read the latest here.