Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid is out for Game 2 versus the New York Knicks.
Superstar Joel Embiid is set to miss Game 2 of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks series due to ankle and hip injuries.
ESPN's Shams Charania shared on X, "Just in: Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Game 2 tonight against the New York Knicks due to ankle and hip injuries, sources tell ESPN."
Charania continued, "Embiid was unable to participate in the team’s shootaround this morning after experiencing increased soreness in both his ankle and hip, sources said. He had been receiving around-the-clock treatment in efforts to play."
This is obviously a huge loss for a Sixers team that is trailing the Knicks 1-0, but what does Embiid's absence mean for Game 2 specifically?
Firstly, Tyrese Maxey has to be more aggressive than ever. The two-time All-Star guard attempted just nine shots in Game 1, which fans and analysts were already critical of. Now, with Embiid sidelined, Maxey reverts to his regular season role of being Philadelphia's No. 1 option.
He has all the tools necessary to take control of the game, and the 76ers need him now more than ever to do so to avoid falling to 0-2 in the series.
Fans can also expect to see a major night from Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Even with Embiid in the mix in Game 1, Towns had quite a strong showing with 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Without 'The Process' in the lineup, Towns will likely be able to feast on the offensive end against Sixers backups Andre Drummond and Adem Bona.
Finally, his Game 2 absence highlights what has always been Philadelphia's greatest obstacle: Embiid's health. The biggest reason the 76ers have never made a deep postseason run is because the seven-time All-Star big man isn't at full strength when it matters most. He is also less than a month removed from appendectomy surgery.
Unfortunately, the 2025-2026 season is turning into yet another example of this roadblock.
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