Copyright Athlon Sports
The Philadelphia 76ers currently have a 5-1 record and sit atop the Eastern Conference, a position that seemed unfathomable just a year ago. Last season, injuries to former MVP Joel Embiid and forward Paul George saw the team start 2-10 and they never really gained any steam after that. Later in the season, rookie guard Jared McCain tore his meniscus and was sidelined for the rest of year. Fast forward to today and George and McCain are still battling injury, and although he has played four games this season, Embiid is still recovering as well. However, it clearly hasn’t mattered as the 76ers have posted the second-best record in the league so far. Let’s take a look at their injury report before their game with the Chicago Bulls tonight. 76ers Injury Report: Paul George and Jared McCain Game Availability George has seemed to be on his way toward a return for a while now as he ramps up his intensity and participation in team practices, but he still hasn’t played as he heals from a knee injury he suffered last season. Although Philadelphia continues to report good things about his progress and recovery, he will still miss tonight’s game in Chicago. The 76ers could use his services as they have struggled defensively in this early part of the season. George may not be the defender that he once was with the Los Angeles Clippers of Oklahoma City Thunder, but he is a big body that can offer a bit of resistance against drives to the basket. He is also one of the best catch-and-shoot threats in the NBA, an ability that could be maximized in Philadelphia’s pace-and-space offense. George isn’t back quite yet, but his return should help the 76ers improve quite a bit. On the other hand, McCain was listed as probable for the first time this season as he recovered from a thumb injury he suffered a few weeks back. He had been ramping up significantly and now will take the court against the Bulls for the first time in nearly a calendar year. Like George, McCain proved to be one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the league last season, and he will have a chance to prove it wasn’t a fluke starting tonight. He has only played in 23 career games, so his talent and potential have yet to be decided, but he looked like he was on his way to becoming a prolific scorer off the ball. He will now join Philadelphia’s terrifyingly talented collection of guards, like Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes. Those three are averaging more than 70 points per game combined, so having McCain back in the fold could make that number continue to soar. The 76ers have already looked good, and now they are finally getting close to full health, which could spell trouble for the rest of the conference.
