Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback when Paul George exited early with a hyperextended left knee. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were still helped along by rookie sensation Jared McCain, but the Sixers still fell to 2-12 on the season in the 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies.

George is not expected to miss significant time, with coach Nick Nurse likening the injury to the bruise he worked through on the same knee several weeks ago. Tests will still be conducted to establish his potential return date.

Embiid, who has been heavily criticized for Philadelphia’s plan to frequently rest him this season, was easily the team’s standout player Wednesday. The big man scored 35 points with 11 rebounds, and McCain chipped in with his sixth straight 20-point game. But with Maxey shooting 3-for-13 on limited reps and George out again, the Sixers still appeared painfully hamstrung in the loss.

“Listen, it’s certainly not easy,” Nurse told reporters after the game. “Tyrese just getting back and didn’t really have a feel tonight, and Paul going out. … We didn’t put enough together again for 48.”

If Embiid had been available at the start of the season, it’s easy to argue that the Sixers would have more than two wins. It’s hard to take the argument much further than that, however. His absence is not the only issue for this team.

Based on the play deeper down the bench, excluding McCain, it’s clear that the supporting cast in Philly can’t carry a franchise at the NBA level. Maxey tried to carry the team and failed while also playing himself into an injury earlier this season. 

Much like his star teammate, Embiid has consistent injury concerns and can only do so much. George is a veteran at this point, far removed from his one-man-show days in Indiana. If the Sixers can’t consistently start their three best players together, this team will likely continue down this treacherous path to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Fourteen games in, most teams have used the early part of the season to settle in and develop a system. Seemingly at least one man down at all times, Philadelphia is already well behind the curve.