Embiid Ruled Out – 76ers vs Knicks Spread Moves Multiple Points

The New York Knicks are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6 at 7:00 pm ET. In a late-breaking development that has sent shockwaves through the betting market, the 76ers have officially ruled out superstar center Joel Embiid due to increased soreness in his right ankle and hip.

The Knicks, meanwhile, boast a pristine bill of health with zero players on the injury report. Embiid’s absence has triggered significant line movement across the market: at prediction site Kalshi, the spread has ballooned to NYK -10.5 (51 cents) / PHI +10.5 (+100), a dramatic shift from the opener of NYK -7.5 (-110) at traditional sportsbooks.

Updated 76ers vs Knicks Odds with Embiid Out

A comprehensive breakdown of the injury report, Embiid’s absence, and its cascading implications on tonight’s betting markets follows below.

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report

The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealt a devastating blow ahead of Game 2: Joel Embiid has officially been ruled out due to increased soreness in his right ankle and hip.

The announcement, which came just hours before tip-off, represents the culmination of a cascading series of ailments for the 7-footer: he missed the first four playoff games while recovering from an emergency appendectomy, returned for the heroic Game 7 win over Boston, played through a right hip contusion in Game 1, and has now been shut down entirely with the ankle flaring up after absorbing a hard shot to the midsection from Mikal Bridges in the series opener.

When on the floor, Embiid is the undisputed focal point of the 76ers’ offensive attack. Through five postseason games, he is averaging team-highs in points (25.2 PPG) and rebounds (8.0 RPG), while also distributing 5.8 assists per game. His staggering 34.4% usage rate underscores his massive importance to Philadelphia’s offense, though a 42.4% field goal percentage indicates he has had to work exceptionally hard for his production against tight postseason defenses. His loss tonight is immeasurable – both offensively and defensively, where the Knicks attacked his slower mobility via high ball screens in Game 1’s 137-98 blowout.

With Embiid sidelined, the 76ers will be forced to lean heavily on their frontcourt depth. Veteran Andre Drummond and rookie Adem Bona slot in directly behind Embiid on the depth chart. Drummond brings a reliable rebounding presence, pulling down 4.2 boards in just 14.5 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 75.0% from the floor. Bona has seen 9.7 minutes per contest during the postseason, contributing 2.4 points and 1.7 rebounds – though he fouled out quickly in Game 1.

Neither reserve can come close to replicating Embiid’s dominant two-way impact or offensive gravity, and head coach Nick Nurse – who is coaching through immense personal grief after attending his brother Steve’s funeral just yesterday – faces the unenviable task of constructing a game plan without his franchise centerpiece.

New York Knicks Injury Report

The New York Knicks currently have a clean bill of health, with no players listed on the active injury report for Game 2.

The New York Knicks enter tonight’s contest in an enviable position for a postseason contender: they boast an entirely empty injury report. With zero players currently sidelined, head coach Mike Brown has the luxury of utilizing his complete rotation and optimal depth chart against Philadelphia. In the grueling environment of playoff basketball, this flawless health profile provides a significant structural and competitive edge.

Because the roster is fully intact, the Knicks can lean completely on their primary offensive engine, Jalen Brunson, who is pacing the team with 27.6 points and 5.7 assists per game. Their formidable frontcourt remains uncompromised as well, ensuring that the highly productive pairing of OG Anunoby (21.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (18.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG) can operate without restriction. This allows New York to maintain its dynamic scoring and robust rebounding without needing to scramble its lineups or stretch its role players beyond their usual capacities.

Furthermore, having all hands on deck means the Knicks’ second unit can stick to their designated assignments. Key rotation pieces like Josh Hart – who brings crucial rebounding with 9.0 boards per game – and Miles McBride will not be forced into exhausting, extended minutes to cover for absent starters. Ultimately, New York’s perfect health allows them to execute their game plan at peak efficiency on their home floor.