The 76ers got an unfortunate update on their franchise star ahead of a get-right Game 2 against the Knicks.
The Philadelphia 76ers just got news that makes a Game 2 turnaround in the Eastern Conference semifinals a bit more difficult, as star Joel Embiid went from probable to being ruled out in a matter of hours ahead of Wednesday evening’s contest, one the Sixers were hoping to get a win and stabilize in. After an uncharacteristic performance in Game 1 against the New York Knicks – Embiid missed 11 of 14 shots – Embiid is out with right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain after missing Philadelphia's morning shootaround.
Initially listed as probable with just the ankle sprain, Embiid was said to have experienced “increased soreness” in both his hip and ankle overnight, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. He was receiving constant treatment, trying to push to play, but Philly will have to win without him. Embiid had returned back from an emergency appendectomy after missing the first three games of their opening round series against the Boston Celtics. In the final four games of that series, Embiid averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists, with a major 34-point, 12-rebound performance in Game 7. But he struggled massively in Game 1 before the starters were eventually benched.
To read more about the major absence and what it means for Philly, here is the full story from 76ers Roundtable writer Anthony Pasciolla.
Philly is now facing a 1-0 series deficit without their franchise cornerstone, and unfortunately, with no timetable for his return. His presence – or absence – will be a major storyline that trickles into Game 3, one in which the 76ers are hoping to not be in panic mode in down 2-0.