76ers' Nick Nurse gives update on Joel Embiid before Game 2 vs. Knicks

NEW YORK -- The Philadelphia 76ers will have to go into Game 2 against the New York Knicks without the services of Joel Embiid. The Sixers listed the big fella as probable for this contest, but then, he wasn't able to participate in shootaround on Wednesday morning which ruined his chances of being able to play in this contest.

Embiid has been dealing with hip and ankle issues and the 2023 MVP winner was unable to do much for the Sixers which led to him being ruled out.

"At shootaround this morning," said coach Nick Nurse pregame. "He just woke up with a bunch of soreness, and they were treating him during shootaround, etc., and then it was determined that he’d be out."

Embiid had a tough Game 1 as he went for just 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting, but he has been a huge difference for the Sixers since returning from an appendectomy in Round 1 against the Boston Celtics. He was able to rehab quickly and push himself to return to the floor. So, one has to believe the Sixers ruling him out was not easy for either side to deal with.

"Listen, he’s really disappointed," Nurse added. "He really wants to be out there. I mean, I’ve said this before, but coming back from that appendectomy so quick was not easy for him to do. He’s worked extremely hard to get back and he continues to want to play badly and I feel really bad for him because he really wants to be out there and we want him out there."

With Embiid out, the Sixers will now turn to Adem Bona and Andre Drummond to hold down the fort in Game 2 on Wednesday night with tip off set for 7 p.m. EDT.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 76ers' Nick Nurse gives update on Joel Embiid before Game 2 vs. Knicks