The Philadelphia 76ers landed bad news on Wednesday afternoon. Heading into Game 2 against the New York Knicks, the Sixers are going to be without Joel Embiid.
The decision comes as a surprise, considering the star center was listed as probable on the initial injury report. After the team went through its morning shootaround, Embiid was downgraded to out.
Are The Knicks Favored To Take Down The 76ers?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Following a dominant Game 1 outing against the 76ers, the Knicks were already entering the second matchup as favorites.
With the Embiid news shaking up the expectations, the Knicks now have a double-digit spread just hours away from the game’s tip-off.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Sixers are 10.5-point underdogs. DraftKings holds the same line.
The Impact Of Joel Embiid
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a free throw against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Before Joel Embiid returned to the Sixers’ lineup in round one, the Sixers trailed the Boston Celtics 2-1 in the series. They managed to win a road game in the absence of Embiid.
While Embiid’s presence didn’t make a difference in his first game back against the Celtics, he helped the Sixers fire off three wins in a row to close out the series. The Sixers opened up the second round against the Knicks with a blowout loss.
Embiid checked in for 25 minutes. He scored 14 points on 3-11 shooting. Eight of his points came from the free-throw line.
The 76ers lost 137-98.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
It’s unclear how long Embiid will be out. He’s less than one month removed from surgery and is now dealing with ankle and hip-related setbacks. The Sixers will rely a lot on Tyrese Maxey to lead the way, while hoping for a speedy recovery for the superstar center.
The Sixers will be back on the court on Friday, May 8, for a 7 PM ET tip for Game 3.
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