When will Joel Embiid return from ankle and hip injuries for 76ers?

After taking a blowout 137-98 loss on the chin in Game 1, the Philadelphia 76ers are hoping for a massive rebound at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. However, given the health status of one of their best players, it'll be hard to imagine the 76ers — who are also coming off an emotional seven-game series — knotting up this second-round series in Game 2.

On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that All-Star-caliber center Joel Embiid will not play in Game 2. Embiid is dealing with lingering hip and ankle injuries and will sit out to recover, presumably so he can be in better condition once the 76ers and Knicks shift their matchup to Philadelphia this coming weekend. That would be a smart play for Embiid, who is likely still a bit sore from a recent appendectomy that held him out during the early portions of Philadelphia's first-round victory.

Still, what a gut punch to Embiid and the 76ers after all of their recent red-hot momentum:

Without knowing the exact severity of Embiid's injuries, it's unclear when he'll return to the 76ers lineup at the time of this writing. It is worth noting that Embiid apparently couldn't even participate in Wednesday morning's shootaround, which doesn't inspire much optimism about his status moving forward. If this is a play to punt Game 2 and get Embiid more rest, Game 3 and Game 4 of this second-round battle are on Friday and Sunday, respectively. That would give him almost an entire regular work week of rest before playing again.

Here's hoping we see Embiid return to the 76ers soon. If they are to give the Knicks a real run for their money, they're going to need their man in the middle.