As the NBA playoffs continue to heat up, the Philadelphia 76ers are facing a major setback in their series against the New York Knicks. Star player Joel Embiid will be forced to sit out Game 2 due to injuries to his ankle and hip.

This news comes after a disappointing loss for the 76ers in Game 1, where they were dominated by the Knicks with a final score of 137-98. The absence of Embiid, who has been an integral part of the team's success this season, will undoubtedly be felt on the court.

Embiid's absence is due to a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness, both of which have been ongoing issues for the 27-year-old center. While the team has not provided further details on the severity of the injuries, it is clear that they are serious enough to keep him off the court for at least one game.

This news is a major blow to the 76ers, who are currently the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and have high hopes of making it to the NBA Finals. Embiid has been a dominant force for the team, averaging 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

Not only will Embiid's absence affect the team's performance on the court, but it also raises questions about their overall playoff strategy. Without their star player, the 76ers will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void. This puts added pressure on players like Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris to lead the team and carry the scoring load.

While it is a tough blow for the 76ers, they are not the only team dealing with injuries in this playoff series. The Knicks are also facing their own challenges, with key player Julius Randle dealing with a thigh contusion and Derrick Rose nursing a sore ankle. Both players are expected to play in Game 2, but their injuries could impact their performance.

The absence of Embiid also raises the question of how the team will adjust their defensive strategy against the Knicks. The center has been a dominant force on the defensive end, averaging 1.4 blocks per game and providing a strong presence in the paint. Without him, the team will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the defensive gaps.

On the other hand, the Knicks will likely see Embiid's absence as an opportunity to attack the 76ers' defense and capitalize on their weakened frontcourt. With players like Randle and Rose leading the charge, the Knicks will look to take advantage of this opening and secure another win in Game 2.

However, all hope is not lost for the 76ers. They have a deep and talented roster, with players like Seth Curry, Danny Green, and Matisse Thybulle who are more than capable of making an impact on the court. The team will need to come together and play as a cohesive unit to make up for Embiid's absence and secure a win in Game 2.

Injuries are an unfortunate and unpredictable part of sports, and the 76ers will have to adapt and overcome this challenge if they want to continue their playoff run. It remains to be seen how the team will fare without their star player, but one thing is for sure - Game 2 of the 76ers vs. Knicks series will be a game to watch.