The Philadelphia 76ers sorely missed Joel Embiid in Game 2 against the New York Knicks in their second-round matchup in the playoffs as he was sidelined with a sore hip and an ankle sprain.
The 76ers put up a gallant stand, but ultimately lost, 108-102, to fall 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Philadelphia sputtered in the fourth quarter, as Tyrese Maxey and company struggled with their shot-making. Having Embiid on the floor would have given them an easy option for a bucket. Just dump the ball to him and let him work.
With the Sixers trying to avoid a 3-0 hole, they cannot afford not to have Embiid in Game 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday.
Joel Embiid's injury status vs. Knicks in Game 3
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) silences the crowd after making a shot against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
According to the NBA's injury report, Embiid is questionable for Game 3.
Fans could only hope that the 76ers' one-day break was enough for the former MVP to recuperate from his physical ailments.
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The 32-year-old Embiid, who has been hampered by various injuries throughout his career, had 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting and four rebounds in their 38-point beatdown in Game 1.
Before battling the Knicks, he pleaded to their fans to show up in their home games and “not sell their tickets” to give them a boost. Ironically, it is Embiid who might not show up.
While Andre Drummond and Adem Bona have been solid as fill-ins, the 76ers are obviously a much different animal with Embiid, as he can punish the Knicks in the paint and protect the rim on the other end.
76ers injury report
Tyrese Maxey – Available (right finger strain)
Joel Embiid – Questionable (right ankle sprain and right hip soreness)
Knicks injury report
Mitchell Robinson – Probable (illness)
OG Anunoby – Questionable (right hamstring strain)
Josh Hart – Questionable (left thumb sprain)
The Philadelphia 76ers sorely missed Joel Embiid in Game 2 against the New York Knicks in their second-round matchup in the playoffs as he was sidelined with a sore hip and an ankle sprain. The 76ers put up a gallant stand, but ultimately lost, 108-102, to fall 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.