The New York Knicks are gearing up for a massive Game 1 matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the injury report has already thrown a curveball.
One name nobody expected to see has shown up, and it’s worth paying attention to before tip-off.
Knicks Injury Report
GettyNew York Knicks’ Jeremy Sochan appears on the injury report
The Knicks’ Game 1 injury report is mostly clean, but there is one name that stands out: Jeremy Sochan, listed as Probable with left hamstring tightness. Every other player on the roster is cleared to play.
Jeremy Sochan PROBABLE – left hamstring tightness
Otherwise CLEAR
The timing is a little concerning, given Sochan’s recent form. In his game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks, he made the most of his limited minutes, going 4-for-4 from the field, including 1-of-1 from three, and finishing with 10 points in just three minutes. Also, in the last game 6, he scored 4 points in just 7 minutes.
That kind of efficient production off the bench makes his availability even more valuable heading into this series.
New Yorkers Expected a Different Name
For most Knicks fans, the bigger worry heading into this series was Mitchell Robinson or Josh Hart, both of whom dealt with their own physical issues during the Atlanta series.
It’s somewhat reassuring that neither appears on the injury report, but Sochan’s hamstring is now the new concern nobody saw coming.
76ers Injury Report: Embiid and Maxey Both Listed
GettyEmbiid on 76ers injury report vs Knicks
On the Philadelphia side, the Sixers are carrying their own injury baggage into Game 1. Joel Embiid is listed as Probable with a right hip contusion, while Tyrese Maxey is listed as available with a right finger tendon strain, wearing a splint, though that’s considered a standard listing for him.
Both stars are expected to play, but their health could be a factor as the series progresses.
Knicks Have Depth to Cover Sochan
Even if Sochan doesn’t play or has very limited minutes, that won’t be a crisis for New York. The Knicks have a very strong bench that can easily handle the loss. Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado are some of the players whom Mike Brown can rely on.
The talent reservoir is so rich that Sochan’s hamstring injury shouldn’t shake New York’s first game plans.
Knicks Positioned to Take Game 1 at Home
GettyThe New York Knicks have good bench depth against the 76ers.
As the Knicks have home court advantage at Madison Square Garden, they hold the upper hand to kick off this series on a positive note.
The New York crowd at the Garden really energizes the Knicks, and with Embiid only dealing with a hip injury and Maxey even wearing a splint, it’s almost as if the timing is perfect for the Knicks to get an early lead in this series.
A determined, healthy, or at least almost healthy Knicks team is likely the one to win Game 1 and put all the pressure on Philadelphia.
A Surprising Name Appeared on Knicks Injury Report vs. 76ers Game 1