Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Friday, May 8’s Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
The talented big man continues to battle numerous injuries, with the latest issues holding him out of Game 2’s Philadelphia loss. Can the superstar C play through the pain in a pivotal Game 3 in front of his home crowd?
Below, we'll break down the latest Joel Embiid injury update, if Embiid will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if he sits.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones on Knicks vs. Sixers on Friday night.
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Joel Embiid Injury Update: Is Embiid Playing Tonight vs. Knicks?
Per the NBA’s official injury report on Friday afternoon, Embiid is officially listed as questionable for Game 3 vs. the Knicks.
To say it’s been a whirlwind of a past few months for Embiid would be an understatement. He was playing some of his best basketball early this calendar year, then knee and oblique injuries slowed him down. Just weeks later, an illness was revealed to be appendicitis, resulting in subsequent surgery that limited him to just four first-round NBA Playoff games.
Embiid delivered a heroic effort against the Boston Celtics, bringing the 76ers back from down 3-1 in the series. He then played 24 minutes in Game 1 against the Knicks, but unfortunately, nagging hip and ankle ailments held him out of Wednesday’s Game 2.
Per ESPN, Embiid was “unable to participate in Philadelphia’s shootaround Wednesday morning” due to “increased soreness” in the hip and sprained ankle. It remains to be seen whether he’ll make enough progress to start on Friday.
Playing 38 games during the regular season, the former MVP averaged 26.9 points on 48.9% shooting. Following the Celtics series, he had only 14 points while going 3-of-11 from the field in Game 1 vs. New York.
As Embiid’s status continues to be monitored, you can still make picks on his PrizePicks projections if he does play. Popular Joel Embiid projections include 25.5 Points, 8 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists, 45.5 Fantasy Score, and more.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Embiid Is Out?
If Philly is without Embiid for another game, what impact could be felt?
In all games this year, per databallr, the Sixers’ offense performs 5.7 points worse per 100 possessions when its best player is on the bench. Its defense remains largely unchanged. This NBA Playoffs, though, the offense is actually 4.8 points better minus Embiid. The defense, shockingly, is 9.3 points worse.
Fortunately for the 76ers, there are ample contributors who could step up if Embiid can’t go on Friday. Star PG Tyrese Maxey leads the way, as his usage rate climbs by 6.3% without Embiid. SF Paul George is also worthy of consideration, as his usage rate spikes by 8.1% and he pours in 9.3 more points per 75 in minutes with Embiid watching from afar.
Don’t forget about rookie SG VJ Edgecombe. The first-year guard is involved in 8.0% more Embiid-less possessions, although his true shooting percentage dips by a severe 9.1% in those instances.
Here are the 76ers players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Embiid is out, as well as their stat projections for today.
- Tyrese Maxey vs. Knicks Projections: 25.5 Points / 4 Rebounds / 2.5 3-PT Made (Goblin)
- Paul George vs. Knicks Projections: 16.5 Points / 5 Rebounds / 31.5 Fantasy Score
- VJ Edgecombe vs. Knicks Projections: 13 Points / 5 Rebounds / 8.5 Rebs + Asts
Look for the trio of Maxey, George, and Edgecombe to lead the way for Philly if Embiid can’t suit up for Game 3. The C duo of Adem Bona and Andre Drummond could pick up some slack as well, although they don’t have projections on the PrizePicks NBA board as of writing.
Pick More or Less 76ers player stats on PrizePicks now before the 7:00 p.m. tip.
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Make Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 Picks on PrizePicks
Joel Embiid is questionable with Game 3 between New York and Philadelphia just hours away. Can the All-Star centerpiece find a way to play in the biggest outing of his 2025-26 campaign? Even if not, there are plenty of Sixers player projections available this NBA Playoffs.
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