The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a slow start, as they have yet to have a full squad. However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Joel Embiid is in the ramp-up phase of his rehab and has yet to be ruled out for the 76ers’ next game on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Joel Embiid has completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he progresses toward a season debut, sources told ESPN.”
Charania added, “Embiid, who has not played this season due to what the team has called left knee management, is expected to work out [again]Friday before the team determines his status for Saturday and beyond.”
Philadelphia 76ers Star Big Man Remains Out Against Memphis, George’s Status Unknown
Embiid and George once again practiced during 5-on-5 drills, but following the completion of practice, the 7-footer told the media that he would be unavailable against the Grizzlies.
“Joel Embiid, who is currently speaking to the media, says that he will not be available for tomorrow’s game.” — tweeted PHLY Sports Derek Bodner
While it is still very early in the season, the Sixers (1-3) really need Embiid and Paul George to get healthy. Philadelphia is coming off a disappointing 105-95 home setback to Detroit on Wednesday as the Pistons dominated the glass (47-35) and made 15 3-pointers. The 76ers trailed by 18 points entering the fourth.
“I’ve done way too much for this city and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that, I do think its bullshit.” Embiid said when responding to the idea he hasn’t tried hard enough to be on the floor.
Philadelphia is 0-2 at home, and all three losses have been by eight or more points. The 76ers have struggled offensively, with two of their Big three sidelined. In reality, the Sixers have a host of problems.
George’s status is unknown.
76ers Issues
Tyrese Maxey is averaging a career-high 31.5 points and 4.5 assists, though he plays 42 minutes a game. Maxey also attempts 28 shots a game, shooting just 37.8% from the field and 22.9% from the 3-point line. However, Kelly Oubre is the only player scoring (19.0 PPG) consistently, while Caleb Martin averages double figures.
Philadelphia is 26th in the NBA in offensive rating and 28th in shooting at 41.3%. The 76ers are last in 3-pointers (9.0) and 29th in 3-point percentage at 27.7%. The Sixers are also getting outrebounded by four boards a game while ranking near the bottom of the league in blocked shots.
The 76ers have also been pretty bad defensively. While the Sixers are ranked in the middle of the pack in defensive rating, thanks to their ability to force turnovers, they allow their opponents to shoot 48% from the field and 39.1% from the 3-point line—both rank in the bottom five of the Association. Additionally, the Sixers foul way too much. They have been whistled for over 26 fouls a game, with their opponents attempting 33 free throws.
More Sixers Issues
Moreover, the 76ers’ starters have been the second-least effective in the league, ahead of just Utah. Nick Nurse has used two starting lineups and seven players through the first four games, with two starters missing. However, he has basically used an eight-man rotation, with first-round pick Jared McClain seeing nearly 12 minutes a contest as the ninth man.
On the positive side, Philadelphia’s starters have been slightly better over the last three contests. Following the season’s first game, Nurse replaced KJ Martin and Eric Gordon in the first unit with Martin and Kyle Lowry. Besides Maxey, Lowry and Andre Drummond have also played reasonably well.
Sixers Need The Stars To Return
While it is early in the campaign, Boston looks like the top team in the conference. Cleveland has been excellent in the early going and appears to be a top-4 squad. Meanwhile, New York will certainly get things figured out, and Orlando, along with Indiana and perhaps Milwaukee, could be in the mix for a top-six seed. In other words, the sooner the Sixers have a full squad, the better for them.
Philadelphia entered the season with sky-high expectations after signing George and bringing in a bunch of other veterans to team with Embiid and Maxey. However, like Embiid, George has not appeared in a preseason game and has only played in two contests. He is dealing with a bone bruise, though there were rumors that he would make his debut this past Wednesday.
When they return, Embiid and George will likely need a few games to work off the rust, at least offensively. However, the duo should make an immediate defensive impact and improve the Sixers’ depth. Neither player is likely to play in back-to-back affairs.
