Joel Embiid ruled out of Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 2 against New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been ruled out of Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semi-final against the New York Knicks on Wednesday due to ankle and hip injuries.
The franchise officially downgraded the former league MVP from probable to out on the latest NBA injury report.
He missed the team’s morning shootaround after experiencing increased soreness across both affected areas.
Medical staff had been providing the seven-time All-Star with around-the-clock treatment in a desperate bid to get him cleared for the crucial fixture.
Searching for a response
The seventh-seeded Sixers are desperate to bounce back at Madison Square Garden following a heavy defeat to the Knicks in the series opener.
Losing their talismanic centre presents a massive hurdle for Philadelphia against the Eastern Conference’s second seed.
The veteran big man recently returned from an appendectomy to orchestrate a stunning first-round upset over the Boston Celtics.
Historic comeback form
Despite missing the opening three games of that previous series, the imposing forward averaged 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists upon his return.
He punctuated that remarkable run with a 34-point, 12-rebound performance on Saturday to help eliminate Boston.
That defining victory allowed Philadelphia to complete only the 14th successful comeback from a 3-1 deficit in NBA playoff history.