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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid drew some aggressive comments from ESPN after he was labeled our with an ankle injury for Game 2 of the Knicks series.

Going into the Game 3 matchup against the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers have a major Joel Embiid question looming.

Will the star center get a chance to return after missing the latest outing? The team raises some real doubts.

According to the injury report, Joel Embiid is officially listed as questionable. His designations are a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness. Although it’s not listed, it’s worth mentioning that Embiid is just a few weeks removed from an appendectomy.

His status for Game 3 is up in the air, and the Sixers need him now more than ever in Round 2.

Joel Embiid’s Status Remains A Concern

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacersat the Wells Fargo Center on November 12, 2023 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

In the first round, Embiid made his playoff debut in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. He managed to play Games 4 through 7, without any minutes restrictions.

Although the 76ers lost the first game that Embiid was back, they fired off three in a row to complete a 1-3 comeback.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 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)

The star center remained available for the Sixers during their Game 1 matchup against the Knicks. He played in just 25 minutes of action, which was a result of a blowout loss. Going into Game 2, Embiid was listed as probable. The fact that he was downgraded to out makes his questionable status for Game 3 a bigger question mark.

It’s clear the 76ers have a better winning percentage with Embiid on the court. They’ll need all the help they can get, as they look to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole.

The Sixers and the Knicks are slated for a 7 PM ET tip on Friday, May 8.