The Philadelphia 76ers are set to open their season against the Milwaukee Bucks. With this, all eyes are on two-star players: Paul George and Joel Embiid. George had a mixed preseason, out of the six preseason games of the 76ers, he played only 2. He shone in one game, scoring 23 points against the Timberwolves, but struggled for consistency against the Hawks. His 60% shooting night against the Hawks offered glimpses of what he can achieve when healthy.

On the other hand, the 7× NBA All-Star, Joel Embiid did not play during the preseason due to a sore left knee, raising concerns among fans. His absence is significant, as he is a cornerstone of the 76ers’ lineup and a dominant force on the court. The pressure is on for both players to make an impact early in the season, especially against a strong opponent like the Bucks.

As the excitement builds for the opener, the big question remains: will George and Embiid be on the court tonight? Their availability could determine the game’s outcome and set the tone for the season ahead. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on their status as tip-off approaches.

Will they return: The injury report of Paul George and Joel Embiid

According to ESPN’s injury report, both PG and Embiid are out. As a result, PG is reported to miss the season opener, and Embiid will be missing all the games this week. This means Embiid will miss the games against the Raptors on October 26 and the Pacers on October 28. But what’s the injury and how did it happen?

George’s injury occurred during a defensive play last week against the Hawks. As he pivoted to guard his opponent, his knee buckled awkwardly, forcing him to the sidelines in visible pain. This unexpected turn left fans and teammates worried about his condition, especially given his importance to the team. However, it didn’t cause any major damage or any long-term health condition. But it felt like he was stuck, PG reflected, “My leg literally just got stuck. I don’t even know what else to call it. Just my knee locked up, my leg locked up. When I went to go push off, all my momentum is going forward and my leg, it just caused it to go inwards. I know I’m thinking of when I seen it immediately I was like, ah, this don’t feel right, this don’t feel right.”

However, the good news is that he will play against the Hawks and Pacers this week. “I’m going to be good. I’m going to be good. I should be back hopefully sooner than later, but it won’t be a long timetable I would imagine.” He said.

On the other hand, Embiid is dealing with a serious issue. His injury unfolded dramatically in a game against the Warriors in January. He had just scored 14 points when he suddenly went down, limping toward the locker room with only four minutes left in the game. The arena filled with applause as he exited, a poignant moment that underscored his value to the team. The cause of his injury? Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga accidentally fell onto Embiid’s left leg, causing immediate concern among fans and players alike. Head coach Doc Rivers announced that Embiid would undergo an MRI exam the following day, which eventually led to having surgery.

Embiid’s injury has significantly impacted the 76ers, who recently dropped their fourth straight game, losing 119-107 to the Warriors after a promising six-game winning streak. Earlier this month, the Sixers received good news, stating he was “responding well” in his rehab, but uncertainties remain. Embiid remains optimistic, saying, “We’ve got to do whatever it takes to make sure that in the postseason I’m healthy. It’s whatever it takes to ensure I’m ready to go. Basically, every single year of my career I’ve been hurt in the playoffs. That’s the goal, doing whatever it takes to get there.” As the new season kicks off, the team will face the Bucks without two of their stars, putting their depth and resilience to the test.

How the team navigated in the preseason: What can we look forward to

The absence of Paul George and Joel Embiid presents significant challenges for the 76ers. In their preseason, the team showed promise but struggled with consistency, finishing with a 3-3 record. They opened strong with a decisive 139-84 win against New Zealand, led by McCain’s 15 points. However, they followed that up with a disappointing 121-111 loss to Wolves, where George scored a high of 23 points but couldn’t secure the win.

The 76ers then faced the Celtics and suffered another setback, losing 139-89 despite McCain’s 20 points. They rebounded with a solid victory against Hawks, winning 104-89, with Kelly Oubre Jr. leading the charge. They continued to show resilience with a 117-95 win over the Nets, but faltered again against the Magic, falling 114-99.

Now, without George and Embiid, the team will heavily rely on their current lineup. The expected starting five are Tyrese Maxey at point guard, Kelly Oubre at shooting guard, Eric Gordon as small forward, Caleb Martin at power forward, and Andre Drummond at center.

George’s shot-creating ability and Embiid’s dominance in the paint could have been game-changers in the upcoming matchup against the Bucks. Their presence would have provided depth and experience, enabling the 76ers to execute their game plan more effectively.

As the team navigates this tough start to the season, one question remains: Can the 76ers rally together and overcome the challenges posed by these injuries?