NEW YORK — Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Wednesday evening’s Game 2 matchup against the New York Knicks due to a sprained right ankle and right hip soreness.
Initially, the 76ers had designated their All-Star center as probable for the contest, noting only the ankle issue. However, team officials later included the hip concern and declared him unavailable on their injury report roughly six hours before the Eastern Conference semifinals game.
During the Knicks’ dominant 137-98 victory in the series opener, Embiid endured a difficult performance, managing just 14 points while shooting 3-of-11 from the field across 25 minutes before Philadelphia’s starters were pulled due to the lopsided score.
Prior to that first game, Embiid had been designated as probable with a bruised right hip before receiving medical clearance. New York’s defense consistently exploited his limited movement to generate scoring opportunities.
The center made his return during Game 4 of Philadelphia’s opening-round matchup against Boston following a late-season appendectomy, contributing to the 76ers’ remarkable comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. Through five playoff contests, he has posted an average of 25.2 points per game.
Medical staff has not confirmed whether his current hip discomfort relates to the recent appendectomy. During the first game, Embiid appeared to grimace and clutch his midsection following a collision with Knicks guard Mikal Bridges during a first-half screen.
Following that incident, Embiid questioned the nature of the contact.
“Obviously based on what’s been going on I guess I’ve got to protect it more,” Embiid said. “I don’t know if it was dirty or not, so I guess I’ve got to do a better job of protecting, especially that part.”
Without their franchise player, Philadelphia faces the challenge of containing Knicks All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns while likely requiring an enhanced performance from point guard Tyrese Maxey. The dynamic guard also struggled in the opener, converting just 3-of-9 field goal attempts for 13 points after posting 26.9 points per game during the first round.
Nevertheless, the 76ers have grown accustomed to competing without Embiid’s presence. The former league MVP has dealt with health concerns for several seasons.
