Knicks win 108-102; Embiid doubtful

The Knicks have the cleanest number in this series — 2-0 — but the real story is messier. They won Game 2, 108-102, in a game that swung back and forth (msn.com)bout who can actually play Friday. Joel Embiid is questionable for Game 3, and O.G. Anunoby is, too. (msn.com)d-over-the-76ers-with-a-108-102-victory/ar-AA22ymJA)) ### What did the Knicks actually do in Game 2? They survived th(cbsnews.com)cisions late. New York won the fourth quarter 19-12 and finally created separation after a night with 25 lead changes and 14 ties. That matters because Game 1 was more one-sided. Game 2 looked like a real stress test, and the Knicks passed it. (msn.com)points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Hart chipped in 18 points. The bigger point is balance — New York shot 51% overall even while hitting only 7 of 26 from 3, which means the Knicks still found enough offense without a huge shooting night from deep. (espn.ph) ### Why is Philadelphia in trouble? Because the Sixers got a competitive game without Embiid and still co(msn.com)ame this tight that’s basically handing away extra possessions. Without Embiid’s scoring gravity and late-game rim pressure, the offense had less margin for error. (espn.ph) ### What’s Embiid’s status now? For Friday, May 8, Embiid is listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle and sore right hip. He already missed Gam(espn.ph) report. If he can’t go again — or if he plays but clearly isn’t moving well — Philadelphia’s entire shot profile changes. The Sixers become more dependent on Maxey creating everything off the dribble. (cbsnews.com) ### Why does Anunoby matter so much too? Because the Knicks don’t need him to lead the scoring, but they do need his defensive versati(espn.ph), and New York’s Game 3 injury report listed him as questionable. Hamstrings are the annoying kind of injury — not always catastrophic, but they can turn every hard cut and defensive slide into a risk. (heavy.com) ### So why are the Knicks underdogs in Game 3? Home court is part of it. Philadelphia also showed in Game 2 that it can keep this(cbsnews.com)y — Embiid might play, Anunoby might not be right, and playoff lines move fast when one star’s availability can swing both ends of the floor. (nypost.com) ### What should you watch Friday? Watch the first six minutes. If Embiid plays, see whether he can get to his spots and defend without looking stif(heavy.com)te easy looks. On the Knicks side, watch whether Brunson can keep controlling tempo and whether their defense still looks connected if Anunoby is limited. (cbsnews.com) ### Bottom line? The Knicks did the hard part — they protected home court and grabbed a 2-0 lead. Now the series tur(nypost.com) a real chance to put a stranglehold on it Friday. (espn.com)