The Philadelphia 76ers are down 1-0 in the second round to the New York Knicks and need Joel Embiid to play well in order to get back into the series. However, things are not looking too well for the Sixers as injuries have popped up for the team. Let’s take a closer look at what the injury is and what it means for the 76ers going forward.
Joel Embiid to miss Game 2 of the second round against the New York Knicks
Shams Charania of ESPN is reporting that the Philadelphia 76ers are going to be without former MVP Joel Embiid for Game 2 against the Knicks due to ankle and hip injuries. This is the second time this postseason that Embiid is missing time as he also missed the first three games of the first-round series against the Boston Celtics, as he was recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
Unfortunately, injuries have been the story of Embiid’s career, as he has missed a significant amount of games since being in college basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks. Embiid has been able to play well in the postseason as he has averaged 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 0.6 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game. This is a massive blow for the 76ers as he was unable to participate in shootaround with soreness in both his hip and ankle.
It could be something that could be a one-game situation. Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals will take place on Friday, so it will be intriguing to see if he is able to get back on the court. For Game 2, the trio of Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe will need to step up. With Joel Embiid out, Philly had Adem Bona get the start against the Boston Celtics, so that is expected to happen rather than having Andre Drummond in the starting lineup.
It will be interesting to see if Joel Embiid is able to suit up for Game 3 and if this series will be 2-0 or split at one game each heading to Philadelphia.
