The Philadelphia 76ers will be without their franchise cornerstone for a critical playoff matchup. Star center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks, scheduled for tomorrow, March 7th.
The news comes from ESPN's well-connected insider Shams Charania, who reported the development on his social media account. The absence is attributed to a combination of ailments affecting Embiid's ankle and hip.
Embiid was unable to participate in the team's practice session today as he continues to receive treatment for these injuries. His status for the remainder of the series remains a significant concern for the Sixers as they look to advance.
The 32-year-old center, who was born in Cameroon, has been the driving force behind Philadelphia's offense throughout the season. During the regular season, Embiid averaged an impressive 26.9 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
However, his availability has been a recurring theme this season. Embiid already missed 13 games after suffering a right oblique strain on February 26th during a game against the Miami Heat. This latest setback adds another layer of uncertainty to his playoff availability.
The Sixers now face the daunting task of competing against a tough Knicks squad without their most dominant player. The team will need to rely on its depth and collective effort to fill the massive void left by Embiid's absence on both ends of the court.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.