The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid. Now they have to adjust quickly.
Videos by FanBuzz
Philadelphia has officially ruled out Embiid for Game 2 against the Knicks, per ESPN's Shams Charania. He's dealing with a right ankle sprain along with hip soreness after initially being listed as probable.
He didn't participate in shootaround.
According to Charania, the NBA star experienced increased soreness following Game 1 and has been receiving ongoing treatment in an effort to play. The medical staff ultimately decided against it.
That leaves a major gap in the middle.
Embiid was instrumental in Philadelphia's first-round comeback against Boston. Over the final three games of that series, he averaged 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists. The Sixers dominated those minutes, outscoring the Celtics by 31 with him on the floor.
Game 1 against New York was different. Embiid finished with 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Without him, the Sixers are expected to lean on Adem Bona and Andre Drummond at center. Both were part of the rotation against Boston, with Drummond taking on a steady workload.
The responsibility shifts elsewhere as well.
Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe will be asked to carry more of the offense, with Philadelphia likely spreading touches and leaning into pace.
The Sixers have managed before. This time, the margin is thinner.
