In case watching the Philadelphia Sixers' Game 1 loss to the Knicks on Monday didn't give you enough proof, they need a reliable backup big man behind Joel Embiid. His latest injury update makes that need even more obvious, as the team listed him as probable for Game 2 with a right ankle sprain.
Embiid being on the injury report isn't surprising, but the injury is. As Philly Voice's Adam Aaronson pointed out, the center's ankle has bothered him this season, but it's been over three months since it was a notable concern.
Embiid has had a right ankle issue dating back to late December. Was first listed on an injury report Dec. 27, but this is the first time it has been mentioned officially since Feb. 3, according to my notes. https://t.co/tmtod0GOh8
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) May 5, 2026
While it's good news that Embiid is listed as probable, anytime he deals with any injury, it's hard not to fear the worst. He missed the first three games against the Celtics as he recovered from his appendectomy, but playing five games in eight days is still a lot for him. The Knicks' physicality doesn't make things any better.
Players push their bodies to the limit in the playoffs, and given what Embiid has dealt with specifically over the past few years, his status is always worrisome. Philly's roster construction doesn't help the matter.
Sixers list Joel Embiid as probable with right ankle sprain
New York played three centers on Monday: Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Ariel Hukporti. KAT isn't known for being a good defender, but his length makes him disruptive enough when he wants to be. Robinson, on the other hand, is a plus defender, and he has experience going up against Embiid in the playoffs. Hukporti was thrown into the fire after the Hack-a-Mitch strategy, but the seven-footer held his own.
Philadelphia already doesn't have the bigs to match New York, and that's with Embiid, so if he has to miss time, the Sixers will be out of luck. Andre Drummond, Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow, and Johni Broome don't have what it takes.
We can only hope his ankle doesn't become a larger issue. The silver lining is that he played 25 minutes on Monday after averaging 36.5 minutes over four games in the first round, though the Sixers would've preferred he play more against the Knicks. The blowout loss ruined that.
This team knows how to fight, but as we saw in the first round, to get to where they want to go, they need Embiid. They could also use a good Embiid backup, but that's a conversation for the offseason, though the front office should already be looking ahead at potential options.
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