When will Joel Embiid return? Ankle, hip injuries timeline and more about 76ers star's status vs. Knicks

After dealing with Joel Embiid's absences throughout the regular season and in their first-round upset of the Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers have grown accustomed to life without their star center.

While they're a much better team with him on the floor, the Sixers will now have to navigate some time without Embiid against the New York Knicks. On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Embiid, who missed the opening three games against Boston in Round 1 but changed the series upon his return, is now set to miss at least one game against the Knicks in the second round.

Previously, Embiid — who carries a long history of ailments around playoff time — has been dealing with the effects of a recent surgery for appendicitis. But now, he's reportedly dealing with further nagging injuries.

Here's the latest on when Embiid could return for the 76ers as they trail in their series against the Knicks.

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What is Joel Embiid's injury?

Embiid is undoubtedly playing through pain in various aspects — after years of knee injuries and surgeries, then a recent surgery for appendicitis, he returned to the floor in the first round against the Celtics. However, as of Wednesday, he is dealing with ankle and hip injuries, per Charania. Those were officially classified as "right ankle sprain" and "right hip soreness," according to Kyle Neubeck.

Embiid had previously been listed as probable for Game 2 on Wednesday night, but due to those injuries, he will not play. Per Charania, the center was "unable to participate in the team’s shootaround" on Wednesday "after experiencing increased soreness in both his ankle and hip," and he "had been receiving around-the-clock treatment in efforts to play."

After Game 1 on Monday night, Embiid also mentioned a hit he took from the Knicks' Mikal Bridges. Following his recent appendix surgery, a hit to the stomach area from Bridges left Embiid doubled over in pain.

"I got hit on it," Embiid said of the play, per Ky Carlin. "I don't know if it was—obviously, based on what's been going on. I guess I got to protect it more. I don't know if it was dirty or not. I guess I gotta do a better job of protecting my (stomach), yeah, especially that part."

Ouch... pic.twitter.com/sQUFGaUBoG

In Game 7 against the Celtics last week, Embiid also took a few falls and had a brief exit for what appeared to be a knee injury, but he later returned.

However, it wasn't Embiid's knee, recent surgery, or hit to the stomach area, that is set to sideline him for Game 2. At some point, he picked up ankle and hip injuries that will now put his status for the second round into question. 

MORE: Joel Embiid's full history of injuries during the NBA playoffs 

When will Joel Embiid return?

For now, only Embiid's Game 2 status is known. He will be sidelined for Philadelphia on Wednesday night as the team looks to avoid falling into a 2-0 series deficit, needing players like Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona to step up in his absence.

Considering Embiid was previously listed as "probable" and had reportedly been receiving heavy treatment for Game 2, he appears likely to return at some point in the series — and if the 76ers fall behind 0-2, they'll need him even more.

Embiid, who didn't play in back-to-backs during the regular season when healthy, faced a quicker turnaround than he's grown accustomed to, with Game 1 vs. New York on Monday and Game 2 arriving Tuesday night. The 76ers will be hoping that by Friday's Game 3 at home, a few extra days of rest will be enough to get the former MVP back on the floor.

76ers vs. Knicks schedule

Here's a look at the full series schedule for 76ers vs. Knicks:

* If necessary