Knicks, 76ers carry key injury questions into Game 3 as series shifts to Philadelphia

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers head into Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal on Friday, May 8, with major health questions on both sides and tactical adjustments still shaping the series.

New York holds a 2-0 lead and has outscored its playoff opponents by 19.4 points per 100 possessions over the last three weeks.

Health questions Philadelphia’s biggest storyline is the status of Joel Embiid. The 76ers are 1-3 in the postseason when Embiid has been unavailable and 3-2 when he has played, though the two losses with him in the lineup were by a combined 71 points. In Game 1, the Knicks had success attacking Embiid in pick-and-roll defense, scoring 77 points on 48 possessions (160 per 100) during his 25 minutes on the floor.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are monitoring OG Anunoby asourceser he suffered a right hamstring strain in Game 2. Anunoby has been one of New York’s most efficient scorers in the postseason, averaging 21.4 points on 62% shooting, including 54% from three-point range. His availability also matters on the defensive end, where his size and versatility help the Knicks match up on the perimeter.

New York could also get a boost with backup center Mitchell Robinson listed as probable asourceser missing Game 2 due to illness.

Maxey vs. the blitz How the Knicks defend Tyrese Maxey remains a central chess match. In Game 1, New York blitzed Maxey on 16% of ball-screens; that rate rose to 41% in Game 2. Even with the increased pressure, Philadelphia has produced 1.16 points per chance when Maxey has been blitzed in the series.

Paint dominance Through two games, New York has controlled the interior, outscoring Philadelphia 114-62 in the paint. The Knicks are also converting at a high rate around the basket, shooting 69.5% (57-for-82) from the paint across the first two games.