The Philadelphia 76ers will face the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their playoff series without star center Joel Embiid, who has been ruled out due to ankle and hip injuries, as seen in a trending post on r/nba. The news comes after a dismal performance in Game 1, where the 76ers lost 137-98.
Why it matters: Embiid's absence is a major blow for the 76ers as they attempt to even the playoff series. His health has been a recurring issue throughout the season, limiting his contributions during key games.
Embiid scored only 14 points in 25 minutes during the Game 1 loss, struggling with his shooting and rebounding.
This season, he has faced multiple injuries, including knee and oblique issues that have kept him from consistently playing.
The 76ers have already lost valuable playoff time, going 1-2 without Embiid in the first round against the Boston Celtics earlier this month.
Driving the news: Embiid was initially listed as probable for Game 2 but was ruled out after failing to participate in the team's shootaround on May 6, 2026.
He received treatment for his ankle and hip injuries but could not recover in time for the must-win game.
His injury status has fluctuated recently, with reports indicating he was probable for previous games before being downgraded.
Embiid's injury marks the third consecutive season where he has played fewer than 40 games, raising concerns about his durability.
State of play: The 76ers are in a precarious position after their Game 1 loss, needing to secure a win to avoid falling behind in the series.
With Embiid sidelined, the team will rely heavily on its remaining players to step up in his absence.
Philadelphia's previous playoff performances have shown that they struggle to maintain momentum without their star player.
Embiid's absence means other players like Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris must take on larger roles offensively.
The big picture: The 76ers have had a challenging season plagued by injuries, particularly to their star players.
Embiid missed the first three games of the playoffs due to an appendectomy, which also impacted the team's performance.
His limited availability has hindered the 76ers' ability to build chemistry and consistency on the court.
As the playoffs progress, the team's depth will be tested as they navigate through injuries and player fatigue.
What they're saying: The 76ers organization and fans alike are expressing concern over Embiid's health and its impact on the team's playoff aspirations.
“We need Joel to be at his best if we want to compete for a championship,” a team insider commented.
Fans are hopeful that he can recover quickly and return to the court for future games.
Coach Doc Rivers emphasized the importance of managing Embiid's health carefully to avoid long-term setbacks.
By the numbers: Embiid has played only 38 regular-season games this year, marking a concerning trend for the franchise.
This is the third straight season he has failed to exceed 40 games played due to various injuries.
In the playoffs, the 76ers went 1-2 without him in the first round against the Celtics.
Embiid's scoring average dropped significantly during the Game 1 loss, contributing to the team's struggles.
What's next: The 76ers will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for Game 2 against the Knicks.
Philadelphia's coaching staff will adjust their game plan to compensate for Embiid's absence.
Players will be expected to step up and fill the scoring void left by Embiid.
As the playoffs continue, the health of key players will remain a focal point for the 76ers moving forward.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.