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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers’ backs were approaching the wall against the New York Knicks heading into Game 3.

Joel Embiid was on the injury report as questionable and decided he could make a push to play through multiple setbacks.

Despite the hip and ankle injuries, Embiid was cleared and played for 35 minutes in Game 3. He had a hard time making the same impact as he did in round one against the Boston Celtics.

After the game, Nick Nurse made it clear that he was satisfied with Embiid’s effort and performance. All things considered, it was difficult for the Sixers to be disappointed.

Nick Nurse Gives Thoughts On Joel Embiid

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“I thought he gave us everything he could,” Nurse told reporters. “I really do. I think he tried to give us everything he could tonight, and that’s all he can do.”

Embiid shot 7-17 from the field. He got to the free-throw line for six shots and made four of them. He attempted four shots from three and went scoreless from deep. The Sixers’ center produced just 18 points.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Embiid also added six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks to his night.

The 76ers didn’t have anybody to go above and beyond to keep up with the Knicks. Every time the Sixers got close, New York knew just what to do to pull away. In the end, the Sixers lost the game with a score of 108-94.

Backs Are Officially Against The Wall

GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers works against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are potential NBA trade rumor targets

Once again, the Sixers find themselves in a position where their season is on the line in a lopsided series. Except for this time around, they don’t have a win.

History says the Sixers’ season is set to conclude any day now. It’s unclear if they’ll have Joel Embiid for Game 4. Considering everything that the big man has been through since the final week of the regular season, there might not be much gas left in the tank.

On Saturday, the 76ers will have a better idea of the center’s status for Sunday.