Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been listed as questionable for Game 2 of the best-of-seven first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets Monday night.
The injury report that Brett Brown referred to earlier in the afternoon has been released. Joel Embiid is officially questionable for Game 2 with left knee soreness https://t.co/ccEp1cNSIs
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 14, 2019
Joel Embiid had a dominant performance in the Sixers' 111-102 loss against the Nets in Game 1 on Saturday. He finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, and four assists in just 24 minutes of action. The two-time All-Star has been dealing with knee problems since March. He missed 12 of the Sixers' last 22 regular-season games.
The 24-year-old big man averaged 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds in 64 games this season.
Boban Marjanovic and Amir Johnson will be expected to play extended minutes if Embiid won't be able to play for Philly.
It will be the perfect opportunity for the Nets to take a commanding 2-0 lead against the Sixers before they head to Brooklyn for Games 3 and 4. Without Embiid, the Sixers' defense will take a major hit.
Even if Embiid does play in Game 2, the Sixers will need to find a way to get more contributions from two of their key players. All-Star guard Ben Simmons had only nine points, while Tobias Harris only had four in Game 1. Both players were a combined 6 of 16 from the field.
Jimmy Butler had to carry most of the Sixers' offensive load in Game 1. He finished with a playoff career-high mark of 36 points, along with nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots. He will have to double his efforts if Embiid is ruled out for Game 2.
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