After a chaotic and controversial finish to Game 2, the Eastern Conference opening-round series between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers moves to the Wells Fargo Center in Philly with New York up 2-0. The games haven’t been pretty as Joel Embiid remains clearly hampered by a left knee issue and Jalen Brunson has struggled to score. Still, this Knicks-76ers series has been arguably the most fun to watch out of any so far in the NBA playoffs.
Surprise contributions from non-stars, fourth-quarter comebacks and – unfortunately, referees – have all played roles in the outcomes of the first two games. But so have injuries to crucial players.
Will Embiid be playing tonight in Game 3? What about Tyrese Maxey, who was questionable to play in Game 2 with an illness? And will the Knicks get any minutes out of center Mitchell Robinson, who has been a key part of New York’s defense against Embiid?
Latest injury updates for Knicks-76ers Game 3
It’s obvious just by watching Embiid run up and down the court that his knee injury is affecting him, but you wouldn’t know it by his stat lines. Last year’s MVP is averaging 31.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in the first two games of the series. He’s shooting under 40 percent from the floor, but he’s been able to slow the game down and get to the free-throw line an average of 12 times a night and hit 79.2 percent from the stripe.
Maxey didn’t appear sick at all in Game 2 as he nearly notched a triple-double, finishing with a game-high 35 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 10 assists.
Luckily for the Sixers, both should be playing tonight. Embiid is listed as questionable but will almost certainly take the floor just as he has the past two games. Maxey isn’t on the injury report at all. Guard De’Anthony Melton is out with a back issue.
New York is still without Julius Randle, whose shoulder injury and subsequent surgery will keep him out for the rest of the season. Robinson is listed as questionable, but his presence near the rim and ability to bump with Embiid inside is crucial to the Knicks’ defense. He played 18 minutes off the bench in Game 2.
Game 3 will likely decide the series. No team in NBA playoff history has ever come back to win a series after being down 3-0. The 76ers need massive games out of Embiid and Maxey again to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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