Joel

Embiid

Despite clearly being compromised physically, Embiid deserves credit for the effort he put forth in Sunday’s series finale. The 76ers’ center didn’t miss a shot from the field and led his team in scoring. Unfortunately for Embiid and the 76ers, the Knicks were able to attack him on the other end of the floor when they weren’t knocking down one of their 25 three-pointers. During the regular season, Embiid provided second-round per-game fantasy value, but he was limited to 38 games due to injuries. Availability concerns decreased his ADP by a few rounds in drafts last fall, and that’s likely to remain the case ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Embiid was initially listed as probable and with the 76ers down 3-0 in the series, it’s no surprise he’s available for Game 4 on Sunday. The 32-year-old center missed Game 2 with ankle and hip injuries, but had 18 points in 35 minutes in Friday’s Game 3 loss.

With the 76ers’ season on the line, it’s unsurprising that Embiid is on track to play on Sunday afternoon. After missing Game 3 with ankle and hip injuries, the 76ers’ center logged 35 minutes in Game 3. Embiid should take on a similar workload in Game 4.

Despite dealing with ankle and hip injuries that sidelined him for Game 2, Embiid logged 35 minutes in Game 3. While the stat line was decent, the 7-footer is clearly playing at less than full strength. The Knicks continue to target Embiid in pick-and-roll situations, and with consistent success. And the quick turnaround won’t help either, as Game 4 is scheduled to tip off a little after 3:30 PM Eastern. Embiid and the 76ers need a win to avoid elimination.

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.

Embiid is back on the 76ers’ injury report, although the reason ahead of Game 2 is due to a sprained right ankle. He only logged 25 minutes in Game 1, as the 76ers trailed by 31 points at the end of the third quarter. Embiid is listed as probable, so he should be on the court Wednesday night. If not, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will figure more prominently in the rotation.

Having just finished their seven-game series with the Celtics on Saturday, Embiid and the 76ers did not have the “juice” on Monday. While it’s never good to get blown out, the 7-footer played just 25 minutes in Game 1, getting some valuable rest ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2. Embiid did take a shot to the midsection during the second quarter, which is a concern given the fact that he underwent an appendectomy late in the regular season. However, he remained in the game, so this may not be a major concern heading into Game 2.

Embiid is good to go after initially being listed as probable on the injury report. The 76ers will stick with their preferred starting lineup, with Embiid being joined by Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.