The Philadelphia 76ers are entering a do-or-die situation against the New York Knicks in their first-round series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday night. Facing a 3-1 deficit, the 76ers need a victory on the road at Madison Square Garden to keep their season alive.
Based on updates that have been shared from the team’s shootaround this morning, an already difficult situation could get that much harder. That is because two key players are absent this morning, clouding their availability for the game tonight.
Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid was not at the team’s shootaround because of a migraine. It was revealed over the weekend that Embiid is dealing with a mild case of Bell’s Palsy along with his balky knee.
Embiid is being listed as questionable for Game 5 with the designation being knee injury recovery. The migraine has not been listed as a reason for Embiid being questionable and it would be shocking if he doesn’t suit up for the game.
Also sidelined from the 76ers’ shootaround this morning was starting forward Kelly Oubre Jr. Oubre Jr. is absent because of an illness. Despite his absence, Oubre is still listed as probable for the game tonight against the Knicks.
Given the dire situation, Philadelphia is in, smart money would be on both players suiting up. Similar antics were used ahead of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden as well. Embiid was absent from shootaround and listed as a game-time decision, while Tyrese Maxey was dealing with an illness as well.
That time around, both Embiid and Maxey were in the lineup and playing well. The same thing will likely happen tonight as it will be all hands on deck for the 76ers in what will be a hostile environment at Madison Square Garden.
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