Sep 30, 2024; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) poses for a photo on media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher
The Sixers will open up their 2024-25 campaign Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks without two-thirds of their big three.
The Sixers won't have Joel Embiid or Paul George available for their season-opener against Doc Rivers' squad:
JOEL EMBIID is responding well to his individualized plan and is expected to ramp up his return to play activities this week, including scrimmaging. He will not play in games this week and will be re-evaluated this weekend. Paul George is recovering well and is expected to ramp up on-court activities early this week. He is out Wednesday vs. Milwaukee and his return to play will be assessed later in the week.
Based on those updates form On Pattison's Austin Krell, it sounds as though the Sixers could be without both stars Friday night in Toronto against the Raptors, and then Sunday afternoon when they take on the Pacers in Indiana.
Embiid is still building up as the Sixers manage his left meniscus, which he had surgery on in February. It's not particularly surprising that he won't be ready for the start of the regular season after missing the entirety of the preseason.
Meanwhile, George suffered a bone bruise on his left knee when he hyperextended it against the Atlanta Hawks during a preseason game. The Sixers would be wise to be cautious with the 34-year-old, who is in the first season of a four-year/$211.6 million contract.
And so, if the Sixers are going to get off to a hot start this season, it's likely going to be on the back of Tyrese Maxey.
