Joel Embiid is set to miss at least one game against the Knicks due to ankle and hip injuries. He has a history of injuries that have affected his playoff performance.
Key points
Joel Embiid will miss at least one game against the Knicks
He is dealing with ankle and hip injuries
Embiid has a history of playoff injuries
He missed the first three games against the Celtics
Embiid's absence affects the 76ers' performance
Joel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ersNew York KnicksBoston Celtics
After dealing with Joel Embiid's absences throughout the regular season and in their first-round upset of the Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers have grown accustomed to life without their star center.
While they're a much better team with him on the floor, the Sixers will now have to navigate some time without Embiid against the New York Knicks. On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Embiid, who missed the opening three games against Boston in Round 1 but changed the series upon his return, is now set to miss at least one game against the Knicks in the second round.
Previously, Embiid — who carries a long history of ailments around playoff time — has been dealing with the effects of a recent surgery for appendicitis. But now, he's reportedly dealing with further nagging injuries.
Q&A
What injuries is Joel Embiid currently dealing with?
Joel Embiid is currently dealing with ankle and hip injuries, along with the effects of recent appendicitis surgery.
How many games will Joel Embiid miss against the Knicks?
Joel Embiid is expected to miss at least one game against the New York Knicks in the second round.
What is Joel Embiid's playoff injury history?
Joel Embiid has a long history of injuries that have impacted his performance during the playoffs.
When did Joel Embiid return from his previous injury?
Joel Embiid returned from a previous injury during the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics.
Related Articles
NHL·Preview
NHL player props: Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield among best bets for Wednesday's playoff games
Canadiens face Sabres in Game 1 of playoffs; Caufield among best bets!
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Lakers' JJ Redick comments on Luka Doncic's latest injury update
Luka Doncic gives a grim injury update as Lakers face tough playoff odds.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
'Born to be winners' - How Jeglertz turned Man City into WSL champions
How Andree Jeglertz transformed Manchester City into WSL champions
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
PSG ease past Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal
PSG secures Champions League final spot after 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich
Sky Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr. both exit with injuries in Dodgers blowout of Astros
Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr. exited a game due to injuries during the Dodgers' 12-2 victory over the Astros. Glasnow left with lower back pain after achieving his 1,000th career strikeout.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Colts reaffirm commitment to Anthony Richardson Sr.
Colts show support for Anthony Richardson Sr. despite trade request.
Embiid is undoubtedly playing through pain in various aspects — after years of knee injuries and surgeries, then a recent surgery for appendicitis, he returned to the floor in the first round against the Celtics. However, as of Wednesday, he is dealing with ankle and hip injuries, per Charania. Those were officially classified as "right ankle sprain" and "right hip soreness," according to Kyle Neubeck.
Embiid had previously been listed as probable for Game 2 on Wednesday night, but due to those injuries, he will not play. Per Charania, the center was "unable to participate in the team’s shootaround" on Wednesday "after experiencing increased soreness in both his ankle and hip," and he "had been receiving around-the-clock treatment in efforts to play."
After Game 1 on Monday night, Embiid also mentioned a hit he took from the Knicks' Mikal Bridges. Following his recent appendix surgery, a hit to the stomach area from Bridges left Embiid doubled over in pain.
"I got hit on it," Embiid said of the play, per Ky Carlin. "I don't know if it was—obviously, based on what's been going on. I guess I got to protect it more. I don't know if it was dirty or not. I guess I gotta do a better job of protecting my (stomach), yeah, especially that part."
In Game 7 against the Celtics last week, Embiid also took a few falls and had a brief exit for what appeared to be a knee injury, but he later returned.
However, it wasn't Embiid's knee, recent surgery, or hit to the stomach area, that is set to sideline him for Game 2. At some point, he picked up ankle and hip injuries that will now put his status for the second round into question.
For now, only Embiid's Game 2 status is known. He will be sidelined for Philadelphia on Wednesday night as the team looks to avoid falling into a 2-0 series deficit, needing players like Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona to step up in his absence.
Considering Embiid was previously listed as "probable" and had reportedly been receiving heavy treatment for Game 2, he appears likely to return at some point in the series — and if the 76ers fall behind 0-2, they'll need him even more.
Embiid, who didn't play in back-to-backs during the regular season when healthy, faced a quicker turnaround than he's grown accustomed to, with Game 1 vs. New York on Monday and Game 2 arriving Tuesday night. The 76ers will be hoping that by Friday's Game 3 at home, a few extra days of rest will be enough to get the former MVP back on the floor.
76ers vs. Knicks schedule
Here's a look at the full series schedule for 76ers vs. Knicks:
