Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will miss Game 2 against the New York Knicks due to ankle and hip injuries suffered during the series opener.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been declared inactive for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks after dealing with ankle and hip issues. The team confirmed his absence on the NBA's official injury report early Wednesday evening.
Embiid was unable to participate in the team's pre-game shooting drills Wednesday morning because of escalating discomfort in both his ankle and hip. The former league MVP had been receiving constant medical care around the clock in hopes of playing through the pain.
The seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers are aiming to bounce back from a lopsided defeat in the opening game of their series against the second-seeded New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Philadelphia suffered a heavy loss in Game 1, setting up a critical Game 2 at home.
Embiid had been sidelined for the first three games of the team's first-round matchup with the Boston Celtics due to an appendectomy before making a strong return.
Upon returning from surgery, Embiid quickly regained his form, posting averages of 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists over the final four games of the Celtics series.
The seven-time All-Star delivered a standout performance in the series-clinching game, scoring 34 points and securing 12 rebounds on Saturday. His efforts helped the Sixers complete a historic playoff comeback from a 3-1 deficit, the 14th such instance in NBA postseason history.
Without Embiid available for Game 2, the Sixers must rely on their supporting cast to step up against the Knicks. The team will look to other players to fill the scoring and rebounding void left by Embiid's absence. Philadelphia's coaching staff will need to adjust their game plan to account for the missing star center during the series.
The New York Knicks will look to capitalize on their Game 1 victory by taking control of the series in Philadelphia. A win for the second-seeded Knicks would give them a 2-0 advantage heading into the next game. The team will aim to maintain its momentum from the opening contest as the series shifts to the Sixers' home court.