Sixers’ All-Stars Benched Due to Injuries
In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia 76ers will be facing the Boston Celtics without their key players, including All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Sixers have ruled out Paul George due to groin soreness, a setback that initially had him listed as questionable to play. This absence marks George’s second missed game in three outings, with ongoing issues stemming from a pinkie injury that has plagued him since late January.
George’s recent groin soreness, which first surfaced in mid-January, forced him to sit out three of four games previously. Despite playing through discomfort with a splint in his pinkie, George’s performance has been affected, averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game over a 10-game span. The Sixers’ decision to sideline George for Thursday’s game against the Celtics follows his absence in the recent matchups against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The extent of George’s absence remains uncertain, with the Sixers monitoring his condition on a day-to-day basis. With George, Embiid, Maxey, Jared McCain, and Eric Gordon out for various reasons, the Sixers face a challenging matchup against the Celtics, scheduled to tip-off at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate through this unexpected twist in their lineup.
Uncertainty Surrounds Paul George’s Return
The absence of Paul George due to groin soreness adds another layer of uncertainty to the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster. George’s ongoing struggles with injuries have impacted his availability and performance, raising questions about his timeline for return and the team’s ability to cope without their key players. As the Sixers navigate through this challenging period, the focus shifts to the resilience and adaptability of the team in the face of adversity.