The Philadelphia 76ers have been fighting an uphill battle this season, and their biggest enemy isn’t another team—it’s their own health. A brutal six-game skid has them sliding further down the standings, and if that wasn’t enough, their two biggest stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George, have spent more time on the sidelines than on the court. As they gear up for a crucial Saturday night showdown against the Brooklyn Nets, their availability could make or break Philly’s last-ditch effort to stay in the playoff hunt.

The 76ers are shelling out some serious cash for their franchise stars—$51 million for Embiid and $49 million for George in the 2024-25 season. But in return, they’ve gotten limited action. Embiid has suited up for just 18 of the team’s 55 games, while George has played in 37. That said, there’s finally a flicker of good news—both superstars are not listed on the injury report and are expected to hit the floor against Brooklyn. Of course, barring any last-minute surprises, that is.

However, Philly’s injury problems don’t stop there. Key role players are still banged up, making the road ahead even rockier. Kyle Lowry is dealing with a nagging hip issue and won’t be available, Eric Gordon remains out with a wrist injury, and Justin Edwards is also sidelined with an ankle problem. And the biggest blow? Rising star Jarred McCain is done for the season after undergoing knee surgery. Just when the 76ers thought they might be turning a corner, reality hit them with another setback.

For Embiid, knee problems have been a recurring nightmare. He missed the entire preseason and didn’t make his season debut until November 12 against the Knicks. Even after returning, swelling and soreness forced him to miss more games, requiring ongoing treatment just to stay afloat. The reigning MVP has been trying to push through, but his body isn’t cooperating the way he wants it to.

Meanwhile, George’s season has been a rollercoaster of injuries. He started the year nursing a bone bruise in his left knee—an issue that stemmed from previous hyperextensions dating back to his Clippers days. Just when he seemed to be finding his rhythm, he hyper-extended that same knee again against the Grizzlies. 

Then came another setback—groin tightness that kept him out for additional games. But the biggest concern right now? His left pinky finger. He suffered an extensor tendon injury against the Bulls on January 25, forcing him to miss five games. Even after returning with a splint and painkillers, it’s clear the injury is hampering his performance.

Can the 76ers even afford to gamble on Joel Embiid this season?

Right now, the 76ers and the Nets share identical 20-35 records, fighting for the final Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference. But with Embiid playing on a compromised knee and George barely hanging on through painkillers, Philly might have to take a hard look at their long-term future.

Embiid, logging 30.2 minutes a night on one good leg, has been brutally honest about his current state. After Thursday’s loss to the defending champs, his postgame comments spoke volumes.

“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now,” he admitted—a tough pill to swallow after inking a massive three-year, $193 million extension with the 76ers.

“It sucks… I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have trust when you’re not yourself.”

His latest outing—15 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists on 3-of-9 shooting—was a stark reminder that this is nowhere near peak Embiid. And when you pair that with George needing painkillers just to stay on the court, the 76ers are running on fumes.

At some point, Philly has to ask the tough question—do they keep pushing through a season filled with setbacks, or do they start looking ahead, prioritizing a healthier, more competitive future around their franchise big man? Time is running out, and the 76ers are officially at a crossroads.