NBA Playoffs Return to Philadelphia with Knicks Leading Series 2-0
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The Eastern Conference semifinal between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers shifts to Xfinity Mobile Arena for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday, with New York holding a 2-0 advantage.
Key injuries on both rosters
Philadelphia center Joel Embiid, dealing with hip and ankle issues, is listed as questionable for Friday. New York faces its own concerns: forward OG Anunoby (hamstring) and guard Josh Hart (thumb) are also questionable, while center Mitchell Robinson (illness) is probable after missing Game 2.
Sixers seek another comeback
For the second consecutive round, the 76ers trail 0-2. They erased a 3-1 deficit against Boston in the first round, but must now contain a Knicks squad that swept the final three games of its opening series against Atlanta and has dominated the first two meetings with Philadelphia.
Home-court questions
Two years ago, large contingents of Knicks fans turned Philadelphia’s playoff games into virtual road contests for the home team. Embiid has publicly urged 76ers supporters to keep their tickets off the resale market this weekend.
Anunoby’s status could swing the series
Anunoby has been New York’s most versatile postseason performer, combining elite defense with efficient scoring. If the hamstring injury sidelines him, head coach Mike Brown may need to increase Robinson’s minutes to reinforce both the frontcourt rotation and the defense.
Towns and foul trouble
Karl-Anthony Towns has picked up at least four fouls in five of eight playoff games. Philadelphia has repeatedly targeted him in pick-and-roll actions, forcing Brown to stagger Towns with Robinson to limit risk.
What Embiid can change
The Knicks have converted 68.8 percent of their shots in the restricted area through two games. Embiid’s return would bolster rim protection and lighten the load on Tyrese Maxey, who sat for just 72 seconds in Game 2. Offensively, early post touches for Embiid could control tempo and create rest periods for the All-Star guard.
Minutes and matchups to watch
Robinson has averaged only 13 minutes this postseason, in part because opponents have used intentional fouls to exploit his career 50.8 percent free-throw rate. Starting him against Embiid could curb that strategy and ease Towns’ defensive burden.
On the Philadelphia side, Paul George is shooting 52.5 percent from three-point range in the playoffs and may see a larger offensive role, especially if Anunoby is unavailable to defend him.
Game 3 tips off Friday night in Philadelphia, followed by Game 4 on Sunday as the best-of-seven series continues.
Source: ESPN.com
