Knicks well aware of Joel Embiid challenge that awaits them in Round 1

Joel Embiid might not be fully back to his customary level of dominance following January knee surgery, but the Knicks certainly aren’t entertaining that sort of thinking as they prepare for their first-round playoff matchup with the 76ers.

The reigning league MVP is ineligible to be a repeat winner for that award because he appeared in only 39 games in the regular season, but the Sixers improved their winning percentage to .800 (32-8) with Embiid in the lineup — versus 16-27 without him — in 2023-24 following Wednesday’s play-in victory over the Heat.

That includes a 6-0 record with the seven-time All-Star center in the lineup since his return following a two-month absence — and nine straight wins overall.

“You prepare for MVP Joel,” Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein said after practice Thursday in Tarrytown. “You kind of see he’s going through stuff, but at the end of the day, it’s kind of what makes athletes special, we can get through a lot.

“Especially the athletes in the NBA, who can go through a lot of pain and still play. We’re ready for whatever. We’re prepared, and it’s just gonna be a team effort with Joel.”

Hartenstein cited Jimmy Butler as another example; the Miami star played through a first-quarter injury Wednesday that is expected to keep him out for multiple weeks, according to reports, including the Heat’s elimination play-in game against the Bulls for the No. 8 postseason seed.