Knicks-76ers: Key injuries make Game 3 lineups a mystery Friday in Philadelphia
The Knicks have won five straight playoff games, including four in dominant fashion. Even when they found themselves in a nail-biter Wednesday night, they took over not with some crazy offensive outburst from Jalen Brunson (he did score eight fourth-quarter points, including six of the team’s last eight), but a stifling defensive effort. So as the series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3, the pressure is eased, but questions remain.
1. Who’s in the lineup?
The first and maybe most important question is just who is playing in this game?
The Knicks listed OG Anunoby as questionable with a right hamstring strain, but they seem to be fortunate that he got out before suffering more than a mild strain — he even attempted a dunk and called for the ball before asking out — and with a two-games-to-none lead in the series, it would seem to be a good spot to give him some time off while trying to capture at least one of the two in Philadelphia and return home with a chance to close the series out.
The 76ers don’t have the same luxury with Joel Embiid, who sat out Wednesday with a sprained right ankle and a sore right hip, scratched after receiving treatment during the morning shootaround. While they played better without him in Game 2 and have survived without the former MVP much of the season, having all of their cards available certainly would help Philadelphia’s chances.
Josh Hart also is listed as questionable with a sprained left thumb. If I were a betting man, I’d bet he’s in uniform and ready to play.
2. Who’s in, part 2?
If the Knicks hold out Anunoby, Mike Brown and his staff will have to decide who gets the starting assignment. Deuce McBride finished the game in place of Anunoby and likely would be the choice, but even if it’s not a starting role, it could be intriguing to see if Brown dusts off rookie Mo Diawara, who has the size and athleticism to make him as close a match to Anunoby as anyone on the roster. He also has a solid three-point shot.
3. Homecoming dance
Philadelphia made a valiant effort to keep Knicks fans out of Wells Fargo Center after the 2024 playoff meeting between the two teams had a very loud and large contingent of Knicks supporters on hand. They tried to limit ticket sales to local Philadelphia credit cards and Embiid pleaded with 76ers fans to not sell, but down 2-0, there were plenty of tickets on the secondary market, and I’ve seen Knicks fans organizing bus trips from New York. So if the Knicks get a lead, expect to hear some loud cheers.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
