The Philadelphia 76ers will be without their superstar center Joel Embiid for Game 2 of their second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks. The team made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, delivering a major blow to their hopes of evening the series on the road.

Embiid was initially listed as probable for the game, dealing with a right ankle sprain. However, according to ESPN, he missed the morning shootaround after reporting increased soreness and new pain in his hip. This latest setback adds to what has already been a challenging postseason for the former MVP.

This news comes on the heels of Embiid's recent return from an emergency appendectomy, which sidelined him for the first three games of Philadelphia's first-round series against the Boston Celtics. The 76ers managed to overcome that deficit, rallying from a 3-1 series hole to win in seven games—a remarkable comeback that showcased the team's resilience.

Through five playoff games this season, Embiid has been a force when healthy, averaging 25.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 42.4% from the field. His absence leaves a massive void on both ends of the floor for a team already facing an uphill battle.

The timing couldn't be worse for Philadelphia. Without their MVP candidate, the Sixers face a daunting challenge against a Knicks team that is playing some of the best basketball of any team in the postseason. New York dominated Game 1 with Embiid in the lineup, winning by 39 points and extending their winning streak to four games. The Knicks have been on a historic run, setting an NBA postseason record in Game 1 with their third consecutive win by 25 or more points—a streak that dates back to their first-round series victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

For the 76ers to have any chance of stealing Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, they'll need a collective effort from their supporting cast. Role players who stepped up during Embiid's earlier absence will need to rediscover that magic against a confident, well-rested Knicks squad. The series now shifts dramatically, with Philadelphia fighting to avoid a 2-0 hole before returning home.