The Philadelphia 76ers will be without Joel Embiid for Game 2 of their playoff series against the New York Knicks. The 76ers will attempt to level the series without one of their key players. According to reports, Embiid is sidelined due to ankle and hip injuries.
Embiid’s Game 1 Performance and Injury Concerns
In Game 1, Embiid managed 14 points in 25 minutes during the 76ers’ heavy 137-98 defeat to the Knicks. Embiid’s availability for Game 2 was initially listed as probable, owing to an ankle injury. He reportedly received treatment ahead of Game 2. However, according to reports, he was unable to participate in the team’s shootaround on Wednesday, which led to him being ruled out.
Embiid’s Injury-Plagued Season
This season has been marked by several injury setbacks for Embiid. He missed time early in the regular season due to a knee issue. In February, an oblique injury sidelined him for 13 games. He also missed games down the stretch due to oblique management.
Embiid’s injury issues have limited his court time. He played in just 38 regular-season games, marking the third consecutive season he has failed to exceed 40 games played.
Playoff History and Impact
Embiid also missed time after undergoing an appendectomy with the playoffs approaching. The procedure forced him to miss the first three games of the 76ers’ first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia recorded one win and two losses without Embiid.
He returned for Game 4 and was instrumental in the series turnaround. Although the 76ers lost that game, Embiid spearheaded the team to three successive victories, advancing them to the second round.
Game 1 Struggles
Like many of his teammates, Embiid struggled in Game 1 against the Knicks. He made just 3 of 11 field goal attempts. He also recorded four rebounds and one assist in the blowout loss.
The 76ers will now have to face the Knicks in Game 2 without Embiid, hoping to avoid falling further behind in the series.