Full Breakdown
Knicks vs. 76ers Game 2: Embiid Out, Knicks Target 2-0 Lead
5/6/2026, 11:38:42 PM
Event
- Date/Time: May 6, 2026, 7 p.m. ET, Madison Square Garden.
- Broadcast: ESPN (cable) and ESPN app (some listings also show ABC/ESPN).
- Series: Knicks lead 1-0 after a 137-98 win.
Background
Knicks entered the semifinals on a four-game streak, including three straight 25+-point victories—the first such run since 1997. Their 39-point Game 1 win gave a 119-point margin over the last three playoff games. The 76ers advanced past Boston after a 3-1 comeback but arrived with limited rest.
Figures
- Joel Embiid (76ers C): out with right-ankle sprain and hip soreness; 14 points on 3-of-11 in Game 1; season 25.2 p.p., 9 reb, 7 ast.
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks G): 35 points in Game 1.
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers G): 13 points in Game 1, expected to carry more load.
- Nick Nurse (76ers HC): away for brother’s funeral, returns for Game 2.
- Mike Brown (Knicks HC): offered condolences to Nurse’s family.
Stats
- Game 1: Knicks 137, 76ers 98 (39-point margin).
- Knicks’ eFG%: 74.4 % (third-highest single-game playoff mark).
- Embiid’s first-round averages: 28.0 p.p., 9 reb, 7 ast.
- Knicks have allowed under 110 points in only two postseason games this year.
Official
The NBA injury report confirmed Embiid’s unavailability. Brown said, “I’d like to pass my condolences along to Nick Nurse and his family, his brother’s family and all their friends.” ESPN lists the game on its schedule.
Criticism
Analysts note the 76ers’ reliance on Embiid; his absence forces a perimeter-heavy offense that may expose defensive gaps. FadeawayWorld argues the Knicks’ pick-and-roll pressure gives them a clear edge, while The Grueling Truth warns Game 1 was an outlier.
Conflicts
Broadcast listings differ between ESPN and ABC/ESPN. Predictions range from a double-digit Knicks win to a sub-100-point effort by Philadelphia. No league comment has clarified the exact streaming channel beyond the ESPN app.
Next
Game 3 moves to Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 8, 7 p.m. ET. The 76ers must adapt without Embiid, likely increasing Maxey’s usage and inserting Andre Drummond and Adem Bona. The Knicks aim to extend the lead and possibly close the series in four games.
Quotes
- “I know he’s a rookie, but his mind is so much ahead of what he is.” — Joel Embiid, on VJ Edgecombe
- “He’s a great player, so he’s going to make adjustments. Now, it’s time for me to make adjustments on how I guard him. Just play hard, fight through, just try my best to stay in front of him and make difficult shots.” — VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers forward
- “You live for surprises.” — VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers forward
- “Life is precious and you don’t wish that upon anybody, so I’d like to pass along my condolences to him and his family while they’re going through these times.” — Mike Brown, New York Knicks head coach
