By News18,Siddarth Sriram

Copyright news18

The Philadelphia 76ers are bracing for another uncertain campaign as stars Joel Embiid and Paul George remain sidelined with injuries.
Both All-Stars, who missed significant portions of last season, spoke in vague terms about their return timetables at Friday’s media day, leaving fans and analysts guessing whether either will be ready for the Oct. 22 season opener in Boston.
“There’s a plan in place,” Embiid said of his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery in April, though he offered no specifics.
George, also rehabbing from knee surgery in July, admitted he won’t be ready for training camp or the team’s preseason trip to Abu Dhabi but hasn’t ruled out being available for opening night.
Embiid’s Ongoing Battle with Injuries
The reigning 2023 NBA MVP has never played more than 68 games in a season and managed just 19 last year, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists before being shut down in February.
Alongside his knee issue, Embiid also dealt with a sprained foot and sinus fracture.
“I’ve had so many injuries,” Embiid admitted. “The only thing I’ve always told myself is you can’t give up. I want to play every single game… but I’ve been pretty unlucky compared to most NBA players.”
George’s Rocky Start in Philly
For George, year one in Philadelphia was nothing short of “rock bottom.” Limited by knee and adductor injuries, the nine-time All-Star averaged just 16.2 points across 41 games—his lowest scoring output in more than a decade.
Now 35, George is determined to rebound after signing a $212 million contract last summer. “I do think I’ve still got a lot of game in me,” he said, noting that he’s participating in light on-court workouts and hopes to be in a “good place earlier than later.”
Odds Stacked Against the Sixers
Once considered a perennial contender, Philadelphia enters the season as a 40-1 longshot to win the NBA title, per BetMGM. Last year’s collapse—losing 31 of their final 36 games with both stars sidelined—showed just how fragile their championship aspirations are.
The Sixers’ injury woes didn’t wait for the season to begin. Guard Jared McCain, entering his second year, suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday and faces a setback just as training camp begins.
For Philadelphia, everything comes down to the health of Embiid and George. If the duo can stay on the floor together, the Sixers’ odds—and spirits—will rise dramatically. If not, it could be another wasted season.
(with AP inputs)