All eyes will be on the Philadelphia 76ers’ injury report ahead of their Game 3 clash against the New York Knicks after Joel Embiid missed the last matchup on Wednesday. Embiid was probable to play Game 2 but was ruled out in the afternoon due to ankle and hip injuries. Ahead of Friday’s contest at home, Embiid has appeared on the injury report again.
The 76ers have listed him as questionable with a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness. Embiid will likely be a game-time decision. Embiid experienced increased soreness in his injured areas on Wednesday. 76ers coach Nick Nurse said that Embiid was ‘day-to-day’ moving forward.
Embiid’s absence cost the 76ers dearly in Game 2 as it was close down the stretch and he could have swung the game with his defensive presence. The 76ers also missed his shotmaking prowess as they couldn’t generate enough efficient looks in the clutch, scoring only three points with 6:52 left in the fourth.
They held a three-point lead over New York at that point, who scored 12 points in that stretch. The 76ers will hope Joel Embiid returns, as losing Game 3 could pretty much decide the series. No team has ever managed to come back from a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs.
The 76ers have already spent enough of their energy in round one after overturning a 1-3 deficit and it’s unlikely that they have enough in the tank to achieve that feat again.
Joel Embiid stats vs. New York Knicks
Joel Embiid has averaged 25.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 22 games against the New York Knicks. He’s shot 46.8% from the field, including 28.6% from 3-point range. In the playoffs, Embiid has averaged 30.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.3 bpg in seven games, shooting on 43/32/86 splits.
In his only game this series, Embiid had an off night, scoring 14 points and grabbing four rebounds in 25 minutes. He shot a measly 3 of 11 as the 76ers lost 137-98.
How to watch New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 3?
Prime Video will cover the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 3. NBA League Pass will stream the contest live online globally. The game will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Xfinity Arena.
