Going into the Game 3 matchup against the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for two scenarios that they know well.
There is a gameplan that involves the superstar Joel Embiid. And there is another one that is focused on playing without him.
Just a few hours before the game is slated for tip-off, Joel Embiid is still listed as questionable in the matchup at home against the Knicks. ESPN’s Shams Charania joined the Pat McAfee Show on Friday afternoon and addressed the plan for Embiid as of now.
What’s The Latest On Joel Embiid?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 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)
“I think right now, it is a situation where he’s going to probably end up going to the arena, warming up, and then seeing how he feels,” Charania said.
“I can tell you, there’s hope inside that Sixers building right now that he’s going to be able to play, but they’re not going to know with a guy like Joel Embiid until he gets the arena, sees how he feels, not one-on-one, two on two, three-on-three, but with Joel Embiid, it’s always about how he feels.”
Since the start of the playoffs, Embiid has dealt with four different ailments, three of them actually set him back.
At the start of the postseason, Embiid was recovering from surgery after getting diagnosed with appendicitis. His playoff debut came against the Boston Celtics in Game 4. While Embiid bumped knees in Game 5, he didn’t miss any time.
HeavyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 14, 2023 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Since the start of the second-round series against the New York Knicks, Embiid has dealt with an ankle sprain and hip soreness. He was initially listed as probable for Game 2 on the road against the Knicks. The Sixers shockingly ruled him out.
Heading into Game 3 at home, the 76ers kept Embiid on the injury report, listing him as questionable. Based on Charania’s reporting, Embiid is going to be a game-time decision against the Knicks.
In the first outing against the Knicks, Embiid checked in for 25 minutes. He shot 3-11 from the field, scoring just 14 points. He also had four rebounds and one assist. The star center’s team lost 137-98.
Without Embiid in Game 2, the Sixers dropped to 0-2 in the series with a 108-102 loss. Friday’s game is a must-win scenario for the Sixers. It’s still unclear if Embiid will be on board to help or not.
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