Hold onto your hats, folks, because the Sixers are kicking off the season with some big newsโand not the kind we were hoping for.
Embiid’s Knee Drama
So, Joel Embiid is sitting out the start of the season. Yep, you heard that right. The big guy’s not suiting up against the Bucks on Wednesday, and he’s also skipping the Raptors and Pacers games. Why? It’s all about managing that pesky left knee of his. The Sixers are playing it safe, making sure Joel’s knee is in top shape before he hits the hardwood. And hey, he’s been working hard, shedding some pounds, and sticking to his recovery plan. That’s dedication!
Paul George’s Bumpy Start
Meanwhile, Paul George is in a bit of a pickle himself. He’s dealing with a hyperextended left knee, courtesy of a tumble against the Hawks. The team’s gonna take another look at him later this week. Fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious. I think it’s smart they’re keeping these guys out of back-to-backs this season. Gotta keep ’em fresh for the long haul, right?
76ers: Joel Embiid and Paul George are out for opener vs. Bucks on Wednesday. Embiid is progressing well and ramping up, scrimmaging this week. He will not play this week. George will be re-evaluated later in the week.
โ Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Embiid’s Monster Season
Remember last season? Embiid was an absolute beast, averaging 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He was shooting lights out, hitting 52.9% from the field and nailing 38.8% from downtown. Oh, and let’s not forget that jaw-dropping 70-point game against the Spurs. Talk about putting on a show!
Sixers’ Offseason Moves
The offseason was no snooze fest for Philly either. They snagged Paul George on a massive four-year, $212 million deal and locked down Embiid and Tyrese Maxey with long-term contracts. Plus, they kept some key pieces like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, and brought in Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, and Eric Gordon. The Sixers are clearly going all-in this year.
And speaking of contracts, Embiid’s new extension is worth a whopping $299.5 million through 2028-29. That’s a lot of zeros! He even turned down a $59 million player option for 2026-27 to make it happen. Now that’s commitment!
So, what do you think? Are the Sixers playing it smart with their stars, or are they being too cautious? Let’s hear your thoughts!
