Will Joel Embiid Play in Game 2 vs. Knicks? Latest Injury Update on 76ers Star

Joel Embiid (Image Credits: Imagn)

Will Joel Embiid Play Tonight vs. Knicks? Latest Injury Update on 76ers Star

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Afshan Khan | Last updated May 6, 2026 12:44 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off an incredible surprise that no one saw coming. After finding themselves down 3-1 in the series, they made history by winning three consecutive games to take the series 4-3. The keys to their success? An offensive trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe, who combined for an impressive 87 points in Game 7.

This offensive firepower, coupled with solid defensive efforts, led to a 109-100 triumph in Game 7. However, the excitement quickly faded as the 76ers faced the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals, suffering a heavy blowout loss in Game 1.

Fatigue from the previous series, combined with poor defensive execution and a striking 35-point performance from Jalen Brunson, resulted in a disappointing 98-137 defeat. Embiid, who has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, is now stepping up with full effort.

Joel Embiid (ankle) listed probable for Wednesday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 5, 2026

As anticipation builds for Game 2, set to tip off at 7 PM EDT on May 6 at Madison Square Garden, news broke on social media that Embiid is dealing with a right ankle sprain. Despite this setback, he’s been listed as probable and is determined to push through the pain to help his team.

Joel Embiid Weighed In on Mikal Bridges Hitting His Midsection In Game 1

During an intense second-quarter battle against the Knicks, a pivotal moment caught everyone off guard. Joel Embiid was trying to contain Mikal Bridges to allow Tyrese Maxey to break free for a score. However, Bridges unexpectedly extended his arms, making contact with Embiid’s midsection. In the post-game interview, the Cameroonian star reflected on the incident.

“I don’t know if it was dirty or not. I guess I’ve got to do a better job of protecting, especially that part [of my body]. … Tyrese was already gone, and it was kind of after the play. I just felt like it wasn’t necessary, but we move on. It is whatever. It’s playoff basketball. If that’s the reality of it, I guess we got to go out and be physical, too, and do it, too,” Embiid said.

Joel Embiid on Mikal Bridges hitting his midsection (post-appendectomy) in Game 1

“I don’t know if it was dirty or not. I guess I’ve got to do a better job of protecting, especially that part [of my body]. … Tyrese was already gone, and it was kind of after the play. I just… pic.twitter.com/CXeuktfTnO
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) May 5, 2026

Embiid has missed several games due to emergency surgery after his appendicitis diagnosis. Any injury to his midsection could lead to complications and affect the 76ers’ championship push.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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