Philadelphia 76ers’ point guard Tyrese Maxey was absent from Monday’s game day shootaround due to illness, casting doubts on his availability for Game 2 of the playoff series against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.

During the regular season, Maxey was the leading scorer for Philadelphia with an average of 25.9 points per game and also led in assists with 6.2 per game. In the 76ers’ defeat against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Maxey contributed 33 points.

This season, Maxey took on the responsibility of scoring more due to the absence of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who was recovering from a left knee issue.

Embiid is set to make his return and is expected to play on Monday, although he appeared to be struggling with his physical condition at certain points during the first game.

In the latter two quarters, he only managed to score 11 points and had a 2-for-11 shooting record in the second half. His performance in the final quarter was particularly disappointing, missing all five shot attempts, allowing the Knicks to extend their lead while he was out for the first 3 minutes and 39 seconds.

Embiid wrapped up the game with 29 points from 8-of-22 shooting in the opener and chose not to engage with the press after the match. Coach Nick Nurse mentioned on Sunday that Embiid conveyed to him that he felt good.