Philadelphia 76ers to Face Orlando Magic Without Embiid and George
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to take on the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, but they’ll be doing so without two of their biggest stars: Paul George and Joel Embiid. The team officially announced the absence of both players, leaving fans wondering how the 76ers will fare without their key contributors.
Paul George’s Rollercoaster Season
Paul George has been a bright spot for the 76ers in what has otherwise been a challenging season. On Tuesday night, George delivered his best performance in a Philadelphia uniform, dropping 29 points on an efficient 10-for-16 shooting. He also dished out eight assists in a season-high 37 minutes, helping the 76ers secure a 110-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. That win marked Philadelphia’s second consecutive victory after a rough 3-14 start to the season.
However, George’s season has been anything but smooth. The 34-year-old has been battling a hyperextended left knee, an injury that has sidelined him twice since the preseason. The first instance occurred during a preseason game against Atlanta on October 14, causing him to miss the first two weeks of the regular season. Then, on November 20, George re-aggravated the same knee in a game against Memphis, forcing him to miss three more games.
Despite the setbacks, George has been productive when on the court. In 10 games this season, he’s averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals. His ability to contribute across the board has been crucial for a 76ers team trying to find its footing. But with George out for Wednesday’s game, Philadelphia will need to find other ways to generate offense and maintain their recent momentum.
Joel Embiid’s Ongoing Struggles
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid’s season has been even more turbulent. The reigning NBA MVP hasn’t played since that November 20 game against Memphis, initially due to left knee injury management and later for personal reasons. According to sources, Embiid is now beginning the ramp-up process to return to play, but he won’t be ready in time for Wednesday’s matchup.
Embiid’s left knee has been a lingering issue for the 30-year-old superstar. It’s the same knee he had surgery on back in February, which limited him during the 76ers’ first-round playoff series loss to the New York Knicks. This season, Embiid has only appeared in four games, all of which ended in losses for Philadelphia. In those games, he’s averaged 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, numbers that are solid but far below his usual MVP-caliber production.
What’s Next for the 76ers?
The 76ers’ schedule doesn’t get any easier. After hosting the Magic on both Wednesday and Friday, they’ll head to Chicago for a Sunday matchup against the Bulls. Following that, Philadelphia will have a bit of a breather, with just two games over the next 11 days. They’ll face the Indiana Pacers at home on Friday, December 13, and then travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Monday, December 16. These games coincide with the NBA’s knockout rounds of the NBA Cup, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Paul George is out for Wednesday’s game after a stellar performance against Charlotte, where he scored 29 points and played a season-high 37 minutes.
- Joel Embiid remains sidelined as he ramps up his recovery from a lingering left knee issue and personal matters.
- The 76ers are 5-14 on the season and will need to find ways to compete without their two stars against a young and hungry Magic team.
For a team that’s already struggled to find consistency, the absence of both George and Embiid is a significant blow. Fans will be watching closely to see how the rest of the roster steps up in their absence. Can the 76ers keep their modest win streak alive, or will the Magic take advantage of a depleted Philadelphia squad? One thing’s for sure: the road ahead won’t be easy for the 76ers.
Originally Written by: Tim Bontemps
