The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks enter Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden with key players listed on the injury report but expected to be available. The latest update sets the stage for a high-intensity opener in New York.
Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Philadelphia with a right hip contusion and a right finger tendon strain. The center remains the focal point of the Sixers’ two-way structure despite managing multiple physical issues.
Embiid has averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the 2026 playoffs, serving as the primary interior scorer and playmaking hub for Philadelphia.
Tyrese Maxey is also available for the 76ers despite a right finger tendon strain that requires a splint. The guard has been the team’s leading scorer this postseason at 26.9 points per game while handling heavy usage at 40.9 minutes per contest.
Maxey’s availability is significant for Philadelphia’s spacing and transition pace, especially against a Knicks defense built on physical perimeter containment and rebounding control.
For New York, Jeremy Sochan is listed as probable with left hamstring tightness.
The Knicks rely heavily on Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby, who have all produced strong postseason numbers. Brunson is averaging 26.3 points and 6.2 assists, while Towns contributes 18.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
New York enters the series after a dominant first-round performance against Atlanta, winning four of six games with several decisive margins, including a 140-89 closeout win.
Philadelphia advanced after a seven-game series against Boston, closing with a road victory in Game 7 and showing late-series offensive consistency led by Embiid and Maxey.
