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Is Joel Embiid's absence a strategic move, or are the 76ers in deeper trouble than they admit?

Tomorrow, the Philadelphia 76ers will host the Memphis Grizzlies at the iconic Wells Fargo Center for their fifth matchup of the season. This is a crucial game for both teams, with the Grizzlies sitting at 3-3 and the 76ers at 1-3, as they look to improve their standings early in the season.

As this do-or-die matchup approaches, both teams are grappling with significant injuries that could impact their dynamics. A key question looms: Will the 76ers’ big man, Paul George, be in the lineup? Let’s find out!

Is Paul George playing? What does the injury report say?

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On October 15, the 76ers played their fourth preseason match against the Atlanta Hawks, where PG shocked the arena not because of his performances, but due to his injury. But What happened? So, in the second quarter, the hooper’s knee buckled during a defensive play, which led him to leave the game with scoring just 12 points. Later, the team announced that the MRI showed a bone bruise but no structural damage. However, the teams had said that they would reevaluate him again in about a week. But, as a result, he missed all the following preseason matches and the regular season matches so far. But will he play tomorrow?

As per the ESPN injury report, Paul George is out against the Grizzlies due to the knee injury. However, this isn’t the only big injury the 76ers are navigating. Former MVP and their cornerstone for the last 10 years, Joel Embiid is also reported as out due to his knee injury. Do you know Embiid’s injury was investigated?

left the game against the Warriors due to an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. This injury required knee surgery, causing him to miss several subsequent matches. However, what raised eyebrows and led to an NBA investigation was that Embiid played five games during the Paris Olympics 2024 as part of Team USA. If he could play after six months of recovery, why not now? As a result, the league fined the 76ers $100,000 for making comments regarding load management for Embiid this season.

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Daryl Morey, the team’s president, commented, “We’re going to be really smart about this. We’re focused on April, May, June… But with Joel specifically. We actually have quite a few guys who we think we need to be smart about how we manage them through the season while still maintaining a high level of play and keep the eye on the prize as we do that.” The investigation confirmed Embiid’s status, stating, “Embiid has been unable to play in the 76ers’ regular season games this season due to a left knee condition.” However, there was no violation of the player participation policy. With that said, the 76ers’ injury report concluded, but the Grizzlies’ report has much more to address.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Joel Embiid's absence a strategic move, or are the 76ers in deeper trouble than they admit?

Have an interesting take?

Is anyone injured in the Memphis Grizzlies?

Well, now that’s a good question because the team is navigating with many injuries. The following table contains the details of their injuries.

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Player StatusInjury Details 
Luke KennardOutFootIn the preseason matchup against the Pacers, the hooper played left the game after playing only for six minutes due to foot soreness and hasn’t played a match after the injury.
Cam SpencerOutAnkleThe hooper sustained the injury in the first quarter against the Nets. He had a right ankle sprain and suffered a talar stress reaction. He will continue to progress with rehabilitation.
Vince Williams Jr.OutLower legIn the training camp, he had a stress reaction in the upper portion of his left tibia. The team had announced that he would be reevaluated in four weeks, but looks like he still hasn’t recovered.
 Marcus SmartOutRight Ankle sprain
He sustained the injury against the Nets, in the first quarter and is considered as week-to-week. 
Desmond BaneOutOblique StrainBane was injured against the Nets in the third quarter and as a result, missed playing against the Bucks and will against the 76ers.
John KoncharDay-to-dayQuadricepsThe hooper is the only relief here, as he is questionable after his right quadriceps injury. However, he was also questionable against the Bucks but didn’t play.

GG Jackson II

OutFootGG injured his fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in Dallas before the preseason and will return around mid-January.

In summary, the Grizzlies dealt their seven injuries leading to a complete change in their roster, whereas the 76ers with two big injuries and three losses. Can the 76ers bounce back with the advantage of seven players sidelined in the Grizzlies? Do let us know in the comment session below.

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