Injury Bug Bites NBA Stars Ahead of Key Matchup
The highly-anticipated showdown between the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies this Saturday is set to be missing some serious star power. According to sources close to the situation, the Sixers’ Joel Embiid and the Grizzlies’ Paul George will both be sidelined as they continue to recover from lingering left knee injuries.
Embiid, the 76ers’ dominant center and perennial MVP candidate, has yet to suit up this season as he carefully works his way back from offseason knee surgery. Despite participating fully in recent practices, including 5-on-5 scrimmages, the team is opting to take a cautious approach with their franchise cornerstone.
“Everybody has been on the same page,” Embiid explained. “When I see people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying that.”
– Joel Embiid addressing his injury recovery
Meanwhile, George finds himself in a similar situation for the Grizzlies. The star forward, acquired in a blockbuster trade this offseason, is sidelined indefinitely with a bone bruise in his left knee. Like Embiid, George was a full participant in practice on Friday, an encouraging sign for a Grizzlies squad with championship aspirations.
Injury Histories Raise Concerns
For both Embiid and George, these early-season absences are an all too familiar story. Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in 2014, missed his first two full seasons with various foot and knee issues. Since his debut in 2016, the big man has appeared in just over half of the Sixers’ regular season games.
George, meanwhile, has battled numerous ailments throughout his career, most notably a gruesome leg injury suffered during a 2014 Team USA scrimmage. While he’s been relatively durable in recent seasons, the 32-year-old’s injury history is a concern for a Grizzlies team with title aspirations.
“I wish I was as lucky as other ones,” a frustrated Embiid lamented. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not trying and I’m not doing whatever it takes to try to be out there, which I’m going to be here pretty soon.”
– Joel Embiid on his injury-riddled career
Teams Forge Ahead Without Stars
For the 76ers and Grizzlies, the show must go on even without their marquee attractions. Philadelphia will lean heavily on offseason acquisition James Harden to shoulder the offensive load, while rising stars Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris look to step up in Embiid’s absence.
The Grizzlies, anchored by dynamic point guard Ja Morant, have the depth to weather George’s absence in the short term. With a loaded Western Conference, however, they’ll be eager to get their new star back on the court to build chemistry and vault into the title conversation.
Possible Return Timelines
So when can fans expect to see these superstars back in action? Embiid’s participation in practice bodes well for a potential return during the Sixers’ upcoming three-game road trip. As for George, the Grizzlies will likely remain tight-lipped about his status, but his presence at practice suggests he’s inching closer to a comeback.
“Really it’s being comfortable, trusting it,” said Embiid of his recovery process. “I want to be at my best. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m afraid if I do something [I’ll get hurt again].”
– Joel Embiid discussing his mindset
As two of the league’s premier players work their way back from injury, their absences loom large over what promises to be a compelling early-season matchup. With both teams harboring playoff and title aspirations, getting Embiid and George healthy and integrated will be paramount to achieving those lofty goals.
Until then, basketball fans will have to wait patiently for these stars to align and light up the court once again. In a stacked NBA, their returns can’t come soon enough for the Sixers and Grizzlies.
