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76ers’ Joel Embiid back for Game 3; Knicks’ OG Anunoby out

By Thomson Reuters May 8, 2026 | 6:19 PM

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid returned to action for Friday’s Game 3 against the visiting ​New York Knicks after sitting ‌out Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second-round series with right hip and right ankle injuries.

Embiid fueled Philadelphia’s first-round comeback over the ‌Boston ​Celtics after missing the ⁠first three games ⁠due to an appendectomy on April 9. The 76ers won the final three games of that series with ​Embiid recording 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Game 7.

Embiid ⁠had 14 points ⁠in a 137-98 loss to ​the host Knicks in Game 1 of ​this series before watching his teammates ‌fall 108-102 in Game 2 on Wednesday as the Knicks took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven set.

Anunoby sustained ⁠a right hamstring strain in Game 2 when he had 24 points in 37 minutes. ⁠His ‌status for Friday was unclear ⁠until New York coach Mike ​Brown ‌said during his pregame ​press conference ⁠that Anunoby would sit out.

Anunoby has excelled in the postseason with averages of 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting a stellar 61.9% from the field.

–Field ​Level Media