Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Paul George have yet to debut this season, and head coach Nick Nurse is keeping details close as they continue their recovery from knee injuries. The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 for public comments made about Embiid’s health, even after a league investigation confirmed Embiid’s unavailability for the season opener due to knee management issues.
Injury and Health Updates
Both Embiid and George participated partially in Tuesday’s practice, but Nurse confirmed they would miss Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. He avoided elaborating on their recovery timelines, emphasizing his focus on preparing the current roster for upcoming games.
“We want these guys to play, be healthy, and play great all season,” Nurse said, adding that his priority is to “get this team to play as good as it can tomorrow night.” The 76ers, currently 1-2, are looking to gain momentum, but it’s unclear when Embiid and George will return to the court.
Embiid, who dealt with recurring knee issues last season, underwent what the team calls “left knee management” and even shed over 25 pounds this offseason to reduce joint strain. He also competed in the Paris Olympics this summer, showing impressive form but now faces an undefined delay due to knee concerns.
George, who joined the team on a four-year, $212 million contract, suffered a bone bruise in his knee during a preseason game. While the injury doesn’t involve structural damage, George remains unavailable with no specific timetable.
NBA’s Investigation and Fine
The NBA launched an investigation into the 76ers’ handling of Embiid’s health status following his absence from the season opener. Although the team was cleared of violating player participation policies, the NBA found that public statements about Embiid’s status were “inconsistent” with his health condition, leading to the $100,000 fine.
Upcoming Games
The 76ers face the Pistons on Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center, followed by a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday before heading on a three-game road trip on the west coast. With both Embiid and George still in recovery, the 76ers’ lineup continues to shift as Nurse adapts to their absences.
For now, Philadelphia fans and the league alike wait to see when Embiid and George can make an impact on the court this season.
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