Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has gone through significant physical strain this season. However, that didn’t stop him from leading the team to the second round. Embiid led the 76ers back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series 4-3 against the second-seeded Boston Celtics, and they now face the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the second-round series on Monday. All eyes are once again on Embiid’s status ahead of the highly anticipated matchup.
It is already known that the 2022-23 MVP has been playing through injuries and suffered another blow in Saturday’s 109-100 Game 7 win. He was seen receiving attention on his hip on the sideline, which the team later identified as a right hip contusion, listing him as questionable with that designation.
The 32-year-old also appeared to injure his knee in the fourth quarter when he collided with teammate Tyrese Maxey. However, Embiid made it clear he feels fine about the knee issue in the postgame press conference. Embiid was also listed as probable in Game 7 but still played 39 minutes in Boston. He finished with a team-high 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and one block on a 46.2% shooting. That same probable status means the Sixers’ big man is expected to be available for Game 1 in New York, barring any late setbacks.
What to Expect From Joel Embiid Against the New York Knicks?
Joel Embiid is having a defining postseason, and his presence on both ends will be crucial in the series against the Knicks. He will be tasked with anchoring the defense while also leading the 76ers on the offensive end.
He is also one of only two current Philadelphia players who were on the roster two years ago when the team was beaten by the Knicks in six games in the first round. Embiid averaged a series-best 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in the series. Tyrese Maxey was the other, and he has since become one of the faces of the franchise.
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