NEW YORK — Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, less than a month removed from an emergency appendectomy, clutched his midsection after absorbing contact from New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges during Monday’s Game 1 defeat. Speaking afterward, Embiid said he was unsure whether the play was dirty but felt the bump was unnecessary.
“I guess I’ve got to do a better job protecting that area,” Embiid told reporters. “It’s playoff basketball, so if that’s how it’s going to be, we have to match the physicality.”
Nick Nurse Temporarily Away
Head coach Nick Nurse is away from the 76ers following the sudden death of his older brother, according to The Athletic. Nurse traveled to Carroll, Iowa, for Tuesday’s funeral and is expected back on the bench for Game 2 on Wednesday in New York.
Toronto Injury Updates
Raptors forward Brandon Ingram, who dealt with heel inflammation late in the season and during the playoffs, will meet with a specialist this week to map out a treatment plan, head coach Darko Rajaković said Tuesday. Guard Immanuel Quickley, sidelined the entire first round by a hamstring strain, and Ingram both anticipate returning to full basketball activities in three to four weeks, and neither player expects a major disruption to off-season training.
Boston’s Roster Picture
The Boston Globe reports that all signs point to Joe Mazzulla remaining head coach of the Celtics next season. Center Nikola Vucevic, the lone member of the 15-man roster without a guaranteed deal or team/player option for 2026-27, will likely need to accept a significant salary reduction wherever he lands, and a return to Boston is considered uncertain.
Source: Hoops Rumors
