The Philadelphia 76ers are falling apart. A 19-29 record and eleventh in the East. A season slipping through their fingers. But the nightmare doesn’t stop there. Injury has struck Joel Embiid—again. It looks like the reigning MVP just can’t catch a break. At this point, it feels like the Basketball Gods have a personal vendetta against him. But he’s not the only one suffering. Enter Paul George. The Sixers’ prized veteran. The one meant to elevate them. Now? He’s on the injury list, too. Just like that, Philly’s season is spiraling. Can they recover?
Once again, the Sixers are dealing with a lengthy injury list as they faced the defending champs on Sunday. Paul George, their star free-agent signing, is sidelined with a finger injury from January 25th. He didn’t play against the Celtics as he’s still recovering. Meanwhile, question marks loom at large around Joel Embiid’s return to the floor. The star center’s knee is still a problem. The swelling from last season’s surgery hasn’t eased, and he’s been out for nearly a month. The absence streak stretched on Sunday, as the Sixers fell to the Celtics 110-118.
These injuries feel like an endless cycle. However, there might be good news for Philly. The 76ers HC has informed the media that while Paul George and Joel Embiid remain out against the Boston Celtics, the hope is that both will be back by the end of this week after going through an on-court workout on Saturday.
Nurse: Joel Embiid, Paul George did on-court work Saturday; hopeful to return by end of this week.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) February 2, 2025
Both stars were reportedly in the physical training session, that involved shooting around, agility, and other skills they needed to hone amidst the injuries. This is surely good news for the fans because having PG and Embiid on the floor means their winning chances just elevate. Besides, in the 13 games The Process has played for the Sixers, he’s averaged 24.0 ppg. Meanwhile, George has averaged 17.1 ppg in 30 games.
Meanwhile, there’s a bigger concern looming at large for the Philadelphia 76ers‘ front office. Trade plans seem to have taken an abrupt pause for the team. And this too, might involve PG and Embiid.
Joel Embiid & Co.’s $135M dilemma has put a stopper on trade dreams
Guerschon Yabusele is suddenly the talk of trade rumors. The 76ers’ big man has caught the eye of several teams, with the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets leading the charge. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer labeled him Philly’s “most enticing trade target” ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. After a few years abroad in China, France, and Spain, Yabusele made his return to the NBA on a one-year contract. Could he be on the move again?
Yabusele is proving he’s worth more than his $2 million salary, averaging 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds. But with the 76ers locked into big contracts worth more than $135 million with Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey in 2025-26, they might not have room for a raise. Meanwhile, Philly’s decision on Yabusele hinges on whether they believe in a playoff run. Sitting at 19-29, one game out of the play-in, they could lean on him, especially after his strong performance during a recent win streak.
Sep 30, 2024; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) poses for a photo on media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Alternatively, trading him for draft assets could be the move if they decide to sell. The Knicks are already eyeing him for his ability to stretch the floor. Guerschon Yabusele alongside Tyrese Maxey has been the beacon of hope for the 76ers on days when Embiid and PG haven’t been on the floor. On Sunday too, despite losing the game vs. the Celtics, the veteran center scored 21 points and 6 rebounds. Meanwhile, Maxey hit 34 points.
Needless to say, Philly needs something to boost things up in the ongoing season. With Paul George and Joel Embiid’s possible return to the games at the end of the week, there might be hope. However, given the history so far, being skeptical about their injuries seems only natural. Meanwhile, the team’s dilemma with Guerschon Yabusele despite him being a perfect candidate for trade continues to worry the franchise. It’s an interesting situation in the 76ers and we’ve got to wait for more updates or drama, whatever they choose to deliver.
The post 76ers Confirm Big Update on Paul George & Joel Embiid Injury as $135 Million Decision Halts Trade Plans appeared first on EssentiallySports.
