The Sixers will be without star center Joel Embiid in Game 3 of the team's first round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Embiid is still dealing with left knee soreness. He played in Games 1 and 2.

The Sixers and Nets are tied at 1-1. Games 3 and 4 are in Brooklyn .

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 2 important contract decisions amid free agency crunchMalik Brown ·
Featured image Kelly Oubre Jr
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. makes $8.4 million contract decision ahead of free agencyDylan Fine ·
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·

Through the first two games of the series, Embiid — the Sixers' best player on both ends of the floor — is averaging 22.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 73.1 percent from the free-throw line. Embiid hasn’t hit a 3-pointer yet, as he’s 0-for-5.

The Sixers still have Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick. All four players are going to have to step up big time in Game 3 without Embiid. Philly has to win just one game in the next two games to reclaim home-court advantage.

The Sixers rebounded well in Game 2 after losing Game 1. Expect the Nets, though, to come out swinging in Game 3 since it's the first time they are playing a home playoff game in Brooklyn since 2015. The crowd is going to be electric from start to finish.

Game 4 of this series is on Saturday. Hopefully, Embiid will be able to play for Philly.