The outlook for the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Game 2 matchup took a turn, as Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the matchup tonight due to ankle and hip injuries. After making his return from emergency appendectomy surgery just 17 days following the operation, Embiid has landed on the injury report for three different ailments across his five postseason games. He was previously listed as probable with the ankle sprain, but downgraded to out ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET injury report.
Across his five postseason games played, Embiid is posting averages of 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. You could make the case that this does not quite live up to his sky-high bar of expectations, but relative to the circumstance, he has remained a difference-maker for this Sixers team. Embiid’s return sparked Philadelphia becoming the 14th team in NBA history to climb out of a 3-1 series hole and advance, with the Celtics’ inability to guard the big man proving to be their downfall.
The Knicks produced a dominant 137-98 win in the series opener in which the Sixers were outclassed in every notable category. Just two days removed from the Game 7 win, Philadelphia failed to bring the necessary level of intensity, and Embiid was as limited in his movement as has been the case since his return.
Following the injury update, the Knicks have shifted from 7.5-point favorites to 10.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The 76ers are +330 underdogs for the Game 2 matchup, with the game total set at 215.5 points.
Stay tuned for updates on DK Network.
