Embiid Returns For Sixers Vs. Knicks Game 3, Anunoby Sits

Embiid returns for Sixers vs. Knicks Game 3, Anunoby sits  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Joel Embiid returned to the Sixers’ lineup Friday night for Game 3 of the team’s second-round playoff series vs. the Knicks. 

After missing the Sixers’ 108-102 loss in Game 2 with right ankle and right hip injuries, Embiid was back in the Sixers’ starting five. Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Paul George joined him. 

The Sixers fell into a 2-0 series hole Wednesday in New York without Embiid and used Andre Drummond, Adem Bona and Dominick Barlow at center. Barlow gave the Sixers a strong second-half stint and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said pregame that he’ll remain an option at center. 

According to Nurse, Embiid has been “getting better all the time” and participated in the Sixers’ Friday morning shootaround. 

The Knicks ruled out OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain) for Game 3. Josh Hart (left thumb sprain) and Mitchell Robinson (illness) were both available.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown said that Anunoby is “day-to-day.”

His absence is a significant development. Anunoby has been great in the 2026 playoffs, averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds.

“OG’s been unbelievable,” said Nurse, who coached Anunoby at the start of his NBA career with the Raptors. “He’s been amazing both in the Atlanta series and this series. OG has been as good as I’ve ever seen him. He just keeps getting better and better. That’s a testament to him. 

“His shooting’s been great. His cutting game is great. You used to think, ‘Well, let’s force him inside the line and see what’s going to happen.’ Now he’s dunking on people and hitting that 17-footer. He’s been doing everything at a super-high level. … Let’s hope he’s out there. I’m a big fan of OG’s.”

The Knicks shifted to a smaller starting lineup without Anunoby, sliding guard Miles McBride up to the first unit. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns rounded out the Knicks’ Game 3 starters.