Adem

Bona

Ankle and hip injuries kept Embiid out of Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat. While Andre Drummond started, the 76ers were more effective with either Adem Bona or Dominick Barlow at the five, specifically to deal with the two-man game between New York’s Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. If Embiid remains out, expect to see more of Bona and Barlow.

Embiid was given a probable tag on Tuesday with an ankle sprain, but he’s also dealing with right hip soreness, and the two injuries will keep him out for at least one contest. The 76ers got blown out by the Knicks in Game 1 with Embiid on the court, and the team will have an even more daunting task on Wednesday with the star big man on the sideline. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will fill in at center, while Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will have to shoulder the load as scorers.

Less than three weeks removed from undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Embiid is going to give it a go for Sunday’s pivotal Game 4. How much he’ll be able to play remains to be seen, but having the former MVP on the court is huge for the 76ers. Adem Bona heads to the bench, and the other four starters are unchanged.

Initially doubtful, Embiid is trending toward being available for the first time in these playoffs. If he’s able to play, fewer minutes will be available to Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. However, given the injury and the time that Embiid has missed, there should still be rotation minutes available for Bona and Drummond.

As was the case ahead of Game 3 on Friday, Embiid is considered doubtful on the 76ers’ initial injury report. If he can return, Embiid’s return would mean fewer minutes for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. However, his minutes are likely to be restricted whenever the former MVP is deemed healthy enough to play.

Embiid has missed two weeks since being diagnosed with appendicitis. He was initially deemed doubtful on the injury report, which was a step in the right direction. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will continue to handle the center minutes with Embiid still sidelined.

Embiid being listed as doubtful, rather than the 76ers immediately ruling him out, is a step in the right direction. However, he’s closer to not being available on Friday than being able to play. The 76ers will continue to rely on Adem Bona and Andre Drummond until the former league MVP is healthy enough to play.

No surprise here, as the Sixers were already preparing to be without their superstar center to open up the first-round series against the Celtics. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will continue to hold things down in the frontcourt until Embiid returns.

Adem Bona gets the start for the injured Joel Embiid on Thursday. Embiid was reported to have surgery scheduled for Thursday due to appendicitis, and while his return timeline is unclear, the Sixers will have to figure out how to win games without the former MVP. Philadelphia is in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings with three games remaining in the regular season.

What was initially announced as an illness by the 76ers is reportedly something far more serious for Embiid. According to the team, the 7-footer is dealing with appendicitis and will undergo surgery on Thursday. Embiid is out indefinitely, and the 76ers will have to account for the likelihood that they won’t have the former league MVP for the postseason. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will have to hold down the fort for the foreseeable future.