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Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Miles McBride #2 and Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks already had a stranglehold on this series after blowing out the Philadelphia 76ers by 39 points in Game 1. Now, ahead of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden tonight, things just got a whole lot easier for New York.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, and confirmed by the 76ers’ updated 1 p.m. injury report posted, Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Game 2 with a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness. Embiid could not participate in the team’s morning shootaround after the soreness in both areas increased overnight.

Before the ruling, Embiid was listed as probable heading into tonight. He played only 25 minutes in Game 1, shot 3-of-11 from the floor, and still looked limited. Now he will not suit up at all.

Philadelphia is already down 1-0 in this second-round series. Losing their franchise center before Game 2 is about the worst thing that could have happened to them.

What the Knicks Can Do Without Embiid in the Paint

GettyKnicks get 76ers injury news, and it could change Game 2

Jalen Brunson already had his way with Embiid on the floor. He finished with 35 points in Game 1, repeatedly attacking pick-and-rolls and getting Embiid switched onto him in the second quarter before making him pay every single time. Remove Embiid entirely, and that paint protection disappears with him.

Karl-Anthony Towns will now go up against whoever Philadelphia cobbles together at center. Andre Drummond is expected to handle most of those minutes, with Adem Bona as the backup option. Bona fouled out in under four minutes during Game 1, so neither choice gives Philadelphia much comfort.

The Knicks’ offense has been on another level lately. Their 39-point win in Game 1 made them the first team in NBA history to win three straight playoff games by at least 25 points. Tonight, with Embiid watching from the bench, that number could get even uglier.

Joel Embiid’s Injury History Makes This Bigger Than Just One Game

GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers land on injury report.

Embiid’s absence tonight is not an isolated issue. He played only 38 regular-season games this year, missed the first four playoff games recovering from an emergency appendectomy, and now has both a bad ankle and hip soreness flaring up at the same time. The mileage on his body is real.

Even when he returns, the Knicks are built to hunt every crack in an opponent’s defense. A hobbled Embiid gives them even more to work with.

Philadelphia is a tough, experienced team and will not go quietly, but they are now staring at a possible 0-2 deficit without their best player.

For the Knicks, tonight is about finishing the job. Go up 2-0 at home, make the Sixers figure out answers on the road, and let this series tell its own story from there.