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Embiid Out, Drummond Starts as 76ers Trail Knicks

5/7/2026

38 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Embiid Misses Game2

Joel Embiid will miss Game 2 against the Knicks because of an ankle sprain and hip soreness.
The injury was announced at 1 p.m., six hours before the 7 p.m. ET tipoff.
Andre Drummond will start at center for Philadelphia in Embiid’s place.
The 76ers, 7.5-point underdogs, lost Game 1 137-98.
Embiid scored 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting after averaging 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists since his April 6 appendectomy.

Summary

Knicks Attack

Knicks coach Mike Brown said they can still attack the rim and shoot threes despite Embiid’s absence.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse may start rookie Adem Bona at center and use Dominick Barlow if foul trouble arises.
Analysts expect the Knicks to pressure the Sixers’ big men with pick-and-roll switches while Philadelphia relies on Maxey, George and rookie V.J. Edgecombe for early scoring, shifting from a post-centric offense.

History

Historical Context

During the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, Jeff Van Gundy’s Knicks entered the playoffs as the eighth seed with a 27-23 record and, after losing star center Patrick Ewing to a torn Achilles, relied on bench players like rookie Marcus Camby to reach the NBA Finals. That 1999 run illustrates why today’s series against the injury-hit 76ers hinges on New York’s secondary scorers.

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Embiid Misses Game2

Joel Embiid will miss Game 2 against the Knicks because of an ankle sprain and hip soreness.
The injury was announced at 1 p.m., six hours before the 7 p.m. ET tipoff.
Andre Drummond will start at center for Philadelphia in Embiid’s place.
The 76ers, 7.5-point underdogs, lost Game 1 137-98.
Embiid scored 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting after averaging 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists since his April 6 appendectomy.

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