Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid was back in action for Friday’s Game 3 against the visiting New York Knicks, having missed Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second-round series due to right hip and right ankle injuries.
Embiid previously fueled Philadelphia’s first-round comeback against the Boston Celtics after missing the first three games of that series following an appendectomy on April 9. The 76ers won the final three games, with Embiid posting 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in Game 7.
In Game 1 of this series, Embiid scored 14 points in a 137-98 loss to the Knicks in New York. He then watched from the sidelines as his teammates fell 108-102 in Game 2 on Wednesday, giving the Knicks a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
OG Anunoby sustained a right hamstring strain during Game 2, where he recorded 24 points in 37 minutes. His availability for Friday was uncertain until Knicks head coach Mike Brown confirmed during his pregame press conference that Anunoby would not play.
Anunoby has been outstanding in the postseason, averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting an exceptional 61.9% from the field.
