The Philadelphia 76ers are hoping they have a “Big 3” to match up with the best in the NBA this season.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be a little bit before we see Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey all on the court together. Embiid was held out of the team’s exhibition games due to health management of his left knee, while George suffered a bone bruise on his left knee during the preseason. As a result, their statuses for Wednesday night’s season opener have been in question.
On Tuesday, the Sixers announced that neither player will be available for tomorrow’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“[Embiid] is responding well to his individualized plan and is expected to ramp up his return to play activities this week, including scrimmaging,” the Sixers’ statement read. “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.”
As disappointing as this may be for Sixers fans, it’s not surprising. The team is going to be cautious with both players, given their age and injury history.
The goal is to have Embiid and George ready to roll later in the season and in the playoffs. In the meantime, they will be carefully managed, meaning Maxey, the team’s point guard, will be asked to shoulder more of the load early on.
Philadelphia also announced Tuesday that rookie guard Jared McCain, who suffered a pulmonary contusion after a scary fall in a preseason game last week, is recovering and could play Wednesday night. His official game status will be announced later today.
The Sixers and Bucks will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET tomorrow on ESPN.
Related: Charles Barkley: Joel Embiid Should Be ‘Embarrassed’ By Olympics Performance