When the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers clash in the second round of the playoffs, all eyes will be on the simmering tension between Joel Embiid and Mitchell Robinson. This isn't just another matchup—it's a rivalry with a history that goes back to April 25, 2024, during Game 3 of the opening round.

The bad blood started when Embiid grabbed Robinson's left ankle as Robinson went up for a dunk, resulting in a flagrant foul. Knicks players quickly labeled the move as "reckless" and "dirty," with some even calling for a suspension. But the league didn't take that step, and Embiid was free to keep playing.

Embiid defended his actions by pointing to his own injury history. "Obviously Mitchell Robinson jumping and trying to land, trying to make sure he doesn't land on me because obviously we know the history that I have with Kuminga landing on my knee," he explained. "So I kind of had some flashbacks... I gotta protect myself, because I've been in way too many situations where I'm always the recipient of the bad end of it." He added that the physicality goes both ways: "They want to bring the physicality. We can be physical too."

Robinson, for his part, has tried to take the high road. Before the series, he told Newsday, "I don't really live in the past. It is what it is. I just move on." But when pressed about whether he still feels he missed out on finishing the playoffs because of Embiid's move, he admitted, "I guess."

As these two big men prepare to battle again, fans will be watching closely to see if the rivalry stays on the court—or boils over. For now, the hope is that both players stay safe and the focus remains on the game.