Claiming Joel Embiid Intentionally Sat Out Play-In Game Forces Fans to Hit Skip Bayless With Community Note – “This is 100% False”

Skip Bayless sparked controversy this week with his assertion about Joel Embiid.

Claiming Joel Embiid Intentionally Sat Out Play-In Game Forces Fans to Hit Skip Bayless With Community Note – “This is 100% False”

Joel Embiid (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Skip Bayless claimed Joel Embiid was cleared to play but chose not to for the Play-In game.
  • Fans and NBA insiders widely criticized Bayless for his controversial assertion about Embiid's health.
  • The Philadelphia 76ers secured the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference without Embiid, defeating the Orlando Magic.

Just when things were looking promising for the Philadelphia 76ers, they have been hit with another setback involving Joel Embiid. It feels like that the big man cannot catch a break in his career, which has been riddled with injuries since he was drafted into the NBA.

Well-known television personality and sports columnist Skip Bayless is in the headlines once again for a controversial claim he made recently. Bayless said that Embiid was actually cleared to play in Wednesday’s game but chose not to.

That’s what I was told. That it’s appendicitis but it’s fine and went well these days they can just go quickly and pretty simply. And he could play if he chose to. So, now that’s like turmoil locker room kind of turmoil. Wait a second big guy, you know, can you play?

Skip Bayless on Gil’s Arena show

Skip Bayless has made a name for himself with his controversial and wild takes, especially directed towards LeBron James. He is a harsh critic of the four-time champion and has built his career by slandering and targeting the king. However, this time, he has sparked controversy with his assertion about Joel Embiid.

The 76ers center is one of the best players in the league on his day. Ever since winning the MVP Award in the 2022-23 campaign, Embiid’s career has been plagued by injuries. The 2025-26 campaign has been no different as he has been restricted to just 38 appearances.

Despite the limited appearances this season, he posted impressive numbers as he was averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks. He looked fit and healthy towards the end of the regular season. Unfortunately, he had to undergo surgery for his appendicitis just before the Play-In Tournament.

Fans react to Skip Bayless’ controversial claim on Joel Embiid

Appendicitis surgeries usually take one to six weeks to completely recover. While Bayless claims to have gotten this information from a very good source in the organization, it has surprised many.

Predictably, Bayless faced backlash as NBA Insiders and fans reacted to his claim across social media.

Fans were quick to call out Skip Bayless and were irked by his claims. While Embiid does not have a great medical history, Bayless’ claim is extremely far-fetched given the medical realities of appendicitis.

Philadelphia 76ers clinch seventh seed in the East

The 76ers were looking to book a spot in the playoffs without Joel Embiid in the lineup, and that is exactly what they have done. After a convincing performance in the fourth quarter, the 76ers registered a 109-97 victory over the Orlando Magic. The win saw them clinch the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.

VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey
VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers (Image credits – The Philadelphia Inquirer)

It was an all-round performance from the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey, who has been on a tear this season, led the scorers with a team-high 31 points. Paul George added 16 points to his name, while rookie VJ Edgecombe recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

The 76ers are scheduled to take on the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The Celtics finished in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. 76ers fans will be hoping to see Embiid back as soon as possible for the playoffs.

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