The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are locked in for a critical Game 3 in Wells Fargo Arena. The Knicks, leading the series 2-0 behind their streaking chemistry, have pressure to win on the road. Moreover, Joel Embiid and the Sixers are mounted with the compulsion of winning on the home court and returning to the Knicks with a proper chance at winning the series.
However, as per the latest injury report by the involved teams, it seems like both of them could lose key players. Mitchell Robinson, due to management issues with his left ankle, is listed as ‘questionable’ for Game 3. Moreover, Joel Embiid (day-to-day) sees the questionable tag behind his recovery from the knee surgery. The 76ers also have De’Anthony Melton labeled as ‘questionable’, all due to back concerns.
Mitchell Robinson is listed as questionable for Game 3 with left ankle injury management.
Joel Embiid (left knee injury recovery) and De'Anthony Melton (back injury recovery) are both questionable for the 76ers.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 24, 2024
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Robinson proved monumental in the Knicks’ Game 1 victory, putting in 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. However, he played just 18 minutes in the previous game (1 point, 4 rebounds) that saw the Knicks barely survive.
Fortunately, De’Anthony Melton, after facing back concerns for half of the season, claims to mark his return in Game 3. “I’m ready for the game tomorrow, and we’ll just have to see,” the two-way guard hinted at a game-time decision. He will be a great addition to the 76ers, providing the much-needed defensive tenacity through his ability to garner deflections.
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Joel Embiid looks like the playoffs have taken a massive toll on his body. After being cleared for Game 2, Embiid stumbled to the floor several times in the game. He also exited the game in the third quarter and was given a green light after being evaluated at the bench. Despite that, Embiid was visibly struggling to run up and down the floor, with his impact being restricted for the Sixers.
Joel Embiid believes the 76ers can still win the series
“We’re good,” Joel Embiid said after losing Game 2. The 76ers head coach, Nick Nurse, believed that they lost the game due to a technicality. Nurse claims that the referee overlooked a foul on Tyrese Maxey during the ending minutes, which proved to be a fatal 3-pointer by the Knicks. Moreover, the coach also explained that the referees failed to realize one of his timeout calls.
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This claim was recognized by the NBA in its 2-minute report. With that confirmation in mind, Embiid added, “We’re going to win this series.” Well, if the 76ers aim to do that, they better win the coming game.
Till now, no team in the history of the NBA has managed to win a playoff series while trailing by 3-0. So, if that happens, the 76ers will be under more pressure than they have been facing all season. Do you agree with Joel Embiid’s narrative? Let us know below.