The series shifts to Philadelphia, and the stakes couldn't be higher for the 76ers. After dropping the first two games in New York, the Sixers return home for a must-win Game 3 at the Wells Fargo Center on Friday night. While the team showed grit in a close Game 2 battle, the absence of their MVP center loomed large.

Joel Embiid's status remains the biggest story heading into this pivotal matchup. After missing Game 2 due to hip and ankle issues, the big man is officially listed as questionable for Friday's contest. The official injury report cites a right ankle sprain and right hip soreness as the reasons for concern. Embiid had just returned from an appendectomy during the first-round series against Boston, and while he was finding his rhythm, the wear and tear of playoff basketball has clearly taken a toll.

Without their franchise cornerstone, the Sixers struggled to contain the Knicks' frontcourt in Game 2. Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson took advantage of the paint, and Philadelphia's offense lacked its usual flow. Embiid's presence on both ends of the floor is irreplaceable, especially against a physical New York team that thrives on interior defense and rebounding.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EDT on Friday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. For Sixers fans, all eyes will be on the injury report leading up to game time. Can Embiid suit up and help even the series, or will Philadelphia need to dig deep without their MVP once again?