The Philadelphia 76ers reported significant updates on player injuries ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George participated fully in practice on Sunday, while Kelly Oubre Jr. was ruled out due to a left knee injury. The team’s announcement came as they prepare for the match on Monday evening.
Embiid, who has been dealing with ongoing knee issues, specifically reported soreness in his right knee after missing the last two games. This marks a continuation of the team’s strategy to manage his health throughout the rigorous 82-game season. The star center has already missed six out of twelve games this season, with a portion of those absences planned for rest days.
Meanwhile, George is on the mend following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which he underwent in July. The nine-time All-Star has yet to see action in the current season. According to the Sixers, George met with doctors over the weekend. Head coach Nick Nurse suggested that this meeting could represent the “last hurdle” before George returns to play. Later updates indicated that he would be re-evaluated later this week, focusing on strengthening his left quadricep through a specific conditioning program.
Oubre Jr. adds to the team’s injury woes. He suffered a left knee hyperextension during the Sixers’ recent loss to the Detroit Pistons, resulting in an LCL injury, as confirmed by the team. Oubre has been a significant player, averaging 36.7 minutes per game in the first eleven games of the season. He is currently undergoing evaluations with specialists to ascertain the full extent of his injury.
In a further update, Jared McCain was recalled from the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats after playing two games to improve his mobility following a meniscus repair last year. McCain averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists over 20.3 minutes per game during his time with the Blue Coats. Nurse expressed satisfaction with McCain’s performance and indicated plans to integrate him into the rotation for the upcoming game against the Clippers.
Additionally, backup center Adem Bona is dealing with a right ankle sprain that will sideline him for at least three games. Depending on Embiid’s availability, this injury could provide an opportunity for rookie Johni Broome to make his debut in the rotation.
As the Sixers prepare for their matchup against the Clippers, the health of their key players remains a crucial focus, impacting both their performance and overall team dynamics.
