The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a pivotal moment in their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks, and once again, their chances may hinge on the availability of superstar center Joel Embiid. After missing Game 2, Embiid is listed as questionable for Friday night’s Game 3 in Philadelphia due to a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness—the same nagging issues that sidelined him for Wednesday’s 108-102 loss at Madison Square Garden.

Embiid had initially been listed as probable for Game 2, but after waking up with significant soreness, he was ruled out six hours before tip-off. Head coach Nick Nurse described the seven-footer as "really disappointed" and emphasized that Embiid is considered day-to-day. "He really wants to be out there," Nurse said, adding that the team shares that sentiment as they look to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole in the best-of-seven series.

This latest setback adds to a challenging season for the former NBA MVP. Embiid has battled injuries throughout his career, including two knee surgeries, and has played in just 39 games or fewer in each of the last three regular seasons. This year, he appeared in 38 games before undergoing an emergency appendectomy in April. Remarkably, he returned just 17 days later to help the Sixers overcome a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Celtics in the first round, averaging 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists over four games.

However, the quick turnaround took its toll. In Game 1 against the Knicks, just two days after their Game 7 victory in Boston, Embiid managed only 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting with four rebounds and an assist in 25 minutes. Nurse acknowledged the difficulty of that recovery, saying, "Coming back from that appendectomy so quick was not easy for him to do. He’s worked extremely hard to get back, and he continues to want to play, badly."

With Embiid sidelined for Game 2, veteran Andre Drummond stepped into the starting center role, while second-year backup Adem Bona saw increased minutes off the bench. Bona made an impact, grabbing seven rebounds—including six on the offensive glass—and adding two blocks. As the series shifts to Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Sixers will need that kind of energy from their supporting cast, whether or not their star center can suit up.