The New York Knicks have a chance to put the Philadelphia 76ers on the brink of elimination Friday night, but the Game 3 injury report introduces significant uncertainty into a series that already stands at 2-0. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
New York has listed OG Anunoby as questionable due to a right hamstring strain, Josh Hart as questionable with a left thumb sprain, and Mitchell Robinson as probable because of an illness. These ailments carry weight because Anunoby and Hart have been essential to the Knicks’ two-way balance, while Robinson provides a stabilizing rim presence in his limited minutes.
Anunoby has been one of New York’s top playoff performers, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Hart contributes differently but just as critically, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists while doing the dirty work that helps the Knicks win possession battles.
Robinson’s status matters as well, as his size alters New York’s second-chance defense. He has posted averages of 5.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in the postseason, and even short bursts of his activity can influence how the Knicks handle Joel Embiid’s physical style.
Philadelphia’s injury report is shorter but carries more star power. Joel Embiid is questionable with a sprained right ankle and right hip soreness, while Tyrese Maxey is available despite a right finger tendon strain that requires a splint.
Embiid has still been productive in the playoffs, averaging 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, but the Sixers need him closer to full health to avoid another home loss. Maxey has been Philadelphia’s most reliable postseason scorer, putting up 25.1 points and 6.0 assists per game.
That combination makes the injury report the central storyline before Game 3. If the Knicks have Anunoby and Hart available, their perimeter defense and rebounding should remain strong—areas where they built a 2-0 lead with wins of 137-98 and 108-102.
The first two games already revealed the gap New York has established, but Friday night represents the kind of contest where a single injury update can change the entire tone of a series. For Philadelphia, this is approaching must-win territory.
