Philadelphia 76ers' star Paul George will remain sidelined for the team's home opener against the Charlotte Hornets, despite practicing extensively in recent weeks. According to the initial injury report released by the team, George will be out with his ongoing recovery from left knee surgery.
The news comes after George played a significant role in the Sixers' comeback win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, logging 20 lackluster minutes as the team fought back from a substantial deficit. However, despite his involvement in the game, he was unable to make an impact and will continue to sit out Saturday's matchup against the Hornets.
In contrast, center Joel Embiid has been cleared to play, but is expected to operate under a 20-minute restriction. Despite being listed on the injury report, Embiid appeared to be healthy enough to participate in Friday's practice, where he was spotted wearing a practice jersey and engaging in some light physical activity.
Forwards Jared McCain and Trendon Watford will continue to miss action due to their respective injuries – McCain is recovering from right thumb surgery, while Watford is nursing a left hamstring tightness that has been an issue for several weeks. Both players appear to be on the road to recovery, with Watford showing signs of progress by wearing a practice jersey and engaging in some light running during Friday's session.
Justin Edwards, who was listed as probable on the injury report, is also expected to return to action. However, his availability will depend on how his right rib soreness responds to treatment over the next few days.
The news comes after George played a significant role in the Sixers' comeback win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, logging 20 lackluster minutes as the team fought back from a substantial deficit. However, despite his involvement in the game, he was unable to make an impact and will continue to sit out Saturday's matchup against the Hornets.
In contrast, center Joel Embiid has been cleared to play, but is expected to operate under a 20-minute restriction. Despite being listed on the injury report, Embiid appeared to be healthy enough to participate in Friday's practice, where he was spotted wearing a practice jersey and engaging in some light physical activity.
Forwards Jared McCain and Trendon Watford will continue to miss action due to their respective injuries – McCain is recovering from right thumb surgery, while Watford is nursing a left hamstring tightness that has been an issue for several weeks. Both players appear to be on the road to recovery, with Watford showing signs of progress by wearing a practice jersey and engaging in some light running during Friday's session.
Justin Edwards, who was listed as probable on the injury report, is also expected to return to action. However, his availability will depend on how his right rib soreness responds to treatment over the next few days.
. I know he's been practicing and all, but still gotta be careful with that knee surgery 
. At least Embiid is back in the mix, even if it's under a 20-minute restriction 
. And good to see Watford making progress on his hamstring, fingers crossed he can get back on track soon 
. Edwards better come out strong or else he'll be the next one getting benched 
. This team is gonna need all hands on deck if they wanna take down the Hornets 
, paul george has been practicing like crazy but still can't play in the home opener 
, i feel bad for him and the team, they really need him to make an impact. on the other hand joel embiid is cleared to play but limited to just 20 minutes, hopefully he doesn't get hurt again 
. Like, if he's already sitting out for practice after just playing 20 lackluster minutes in a game... something's not quite right 
. And now he's gonna be sidelined for the home opener? That's a tough break for the team. I mean, they needed him to bring some much-needed energy to that comeback win against the Celtics 
. I'm no doctor or anything, but can't we just get a break from all this injury drama for once? 
At least Joel Embiid is looking good to go (20-minute limit and all), but let's hope the others follow suit 
. I mean, I get it, knee surgery and all that... but 20 minutes isn't exactly a lot of time to make a difference on the court. And what's up with the lack of transparency? One day he's practicing extensively, next day he's out for the opener 