Advertisement

The 76ers doubling down on oft-injured stars is backfiring already

prince j. grimes
·2 min read
1
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 14: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on October 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776204101 ORIG FILE ID: 2178446710

The 2024-25 NBA season hasn’t even tipped yet and the Philadelphia 76ers are already battling injury problems.

Paul George had to sit the second half of Monday’s preseason game after suffering a hyperextended knee in the second quarter. George told the Philadelphia Inquirer he wasn’t too concerned about the injury, but that won’t likely do much to alleviate the concerns of a team and fan base already dealing with the health concerns of another oft-injured star.

Philadelphia’s health-management process is starting earlier than usual, with the 76ers withholding Joel Embiid from the preseason altogether to manage the knee injury that limited him to 39 games last season. Depending how well he recovers and how healthy George can get and remain, the 76ers will either be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference or a complete disappointment. Maybe even both.

After signing George in the offseason, this was supposed to be the year the 76ers finally contended for an Eastern Conference title. Their +500 odds to win the East at BetMGM are third-best behind the Celtics and Knicks. Their +1000 odds to win the NBA title are fourth-best. But if two of their three best players – depending how you order George and Embiid with Tyrese Maxey – are less than 100% entering the season, it’s hard to trust they’ll live up to those lofty expectations. Especially considering the injury history of the two.

George played in more than 60 games last season for the first time since 2018-19 when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Embiid played in fewer than 60 games for the third time in the last five years. Together, they could be one of the most formidable tandems in the NBA. Unfortunately, they may also be one of the most injured we’ve seen since maybe George and Kawhi Leonard.

That’s why the Celtics and Knicks remain better bets than the 76ers, and why the value of teams like the Bucks and Pacers may even be more attractive. There’s no doubt about how good the 76ers can be when healthy. There’s only doubt about how healthy they can be.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: The 76ers doubling down on oft-injured stars is backfiring already