Andre

Drummond

Right ankle and right hip injuries sidelined Embiid for Game 2, a defeat that dropped the 76ers into a 0-2 hole. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, but the rotation behind the former MVP is likely to be adjusted. Dominick Barlow, who played well in Game 2, may take on some backup center minutes because his defense is superior to Andre Drummond’s when switched onto a Knicks guard, most notably Jalen Brunson. Joining Embiid in the starting lineup are Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.

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.

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.

Drummond continues to come off the bench behind Adem Bona, and he continues to make more of an impact. He played 31 minutes to Bona’s 16, and he was far more productive. With Joel Embiid (appendicitis) Drummond will continue to be vital to the 76ers, especially as they enter into their first-round series against the Celtics, with Game 1 tipping off on Sunday.

Drummond was once again the backup center behind Adem Bona, but Drummond played 29 minutes to Bona’s 19. This was the second straight game that Drummond played a much larger role than Bona despite coming off the bench. This was a strong performance for Drummond, and with Joel Embiid sidelined indefinitely after undergoing an appendectomy, Drummond will be a pivotal piece for the 76ers entering the play-in tournament.