Sixers Look to Rebound Against Knicks Ahead of All-Star Break, Embiid’s Status Looms Large
As the NBA calendar inches toward the All-Star break, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a pivotal moment. After wrapping up a demanding five-game West Coast swing, they return home to face a familiar foe - the New York Knicks - in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Sixers went 3-2 on their road trip, kicking things off with impressive wins over the Clippers and Warriors before dropping two of their final three. Their most recent outing, a frustrating loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, wasn’t the note they wanted to finish on. Now, with one final game before a much-needed breather, Philly is looking to reset - and they may have to do it without their franchise centerpiece.
Embiid’s Availability in Question
Joel Embiid remains listed as questionable due to knee injury management. That’s not new - the reigning MVP has been a frequent flier on the injury report this season - but he’s also been able to suit up more often than not.
Earlier this month, Embiid logged 38 and 33 minutes in back-to-back games against the Lakers and Suns, respectively. However, he sat out the loss in Portland, and his status for Wednesday’s matchup is still up in the air.
For a team that leans heavily on his two-way dominance, Embiid’s availability could be the difference between heading into the break with momentum or more questions.
Knicks Coming Off OT Heartbreaker
The Knicks, meanwhile, are on the second night of a back-to-back. On Tuesday, they went toe-to-toe with the Indiana Pacers in a wild overtime thriller that ended in a 137-134 loss. Despite Jalen Brunson’s electric 40-point performance, New York couldn’t close the door, thanks in large part to a 30-point night from Indiana’s Pascal Siakam.
That loss dropped the Knicks to 34-20, and now they’ll head to South Philly on short rest - a tough task for any team, let alone one still managing key absences.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Let’s break down the latest on both squads heading into Wednesday’s matchup.
Philadelphia 76ers:
- Joel Embiid - Questionable (Knee Injury Management)
- **Kelly Oubre Jr. ** - Available (Knee Injury Management)
- Paul George - Out (Suspension)
The Sixers continue to navigate the absence of Paul George, who remains suspended and isn’t expected back until March. That’s a big hole to fill, both on the wing and in terms of veteran leadership. On the bright side, Kelly Oubre Jr. is available after managing his own knee issue.
New York Knicks:
- Dominick Barlow - Questionable (Illness)
- Quentin Grimes - Questionable (Illness)
- Mitchell Robinson - Out (Knee)
- Deuce McBride - Out
- OG Anunoby - Day-to-Day (Toe)
Dominick Barlow was a late scratch in Portland and is now dealing with an illness. It’s a tough break for the forward, who just had his two-way contract converted into a standard NBA deal - a milestone moment that’s been put on pause. Quentin Grimes is in a similar spot, also battling illness with his status uncertain.
The Knicks are still without Mitchell Robinson, who’s nursing a knee injury, and Deuce McBride, who’s expected to miss extended time. OG Anunoby remains sidelined as well, now having missed three straight games with a toe issue. There’s no firm timeline for his return, but the Knicks are treating it as a day-to-day situation.
What to Watch
This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic Eastern Conference clash - two playoff-caliber teams, a tight turnaround for the Knicks, and a Sixers squad eager to shake off a tough road loss. If Embiid suits up, the Sixers will look to exploit a Knicks frontcourt that’s missing its top rim protector in Robinson. If he doesn’t, the pressure shifts to Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris to carry the offensive load.
On the Knicks’ side, Brunson continues to be a force, but he’ll need help - especially if Anunoby remains out and fatigue sets in after Tuesday’s overtime grind.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET in South Philly. With the All-Star break looming, this one’s about more than just another win - it’s a tone-setter for the stretch run.