CAMDEN, NJ — The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for their first road trip of the season following a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the season opener. After a Thursday practice, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the media, discussing the lessons learned from the loss while also providing an update on Joel Embiid and Paul George.
One of the biggest stories in the NBA has been the absence of Joel Embiid, who the team has consistently said has suffered neither a new injury nor a setback. The NBA is now investigating the situation, but for the time being, it’s business as usual for the Sixers, which means continuing to follow the plan they’ve created for Embiid.
Meanwhile, Paul George continues to recover from a bone bruise in his left knee that only shined a brighter light on the situation around Embiid.
Discussing both of the team’s stars, Nurse told media members the latest on his stars:
“Yeah, those guys both progressed a little bit,” said Nurse. “They both were in most of the action. Again, I think they’re improving and making strides, but they were in some, kind of all the beginning, basic stuff, and then some kind of live-ish drills at the half-court for a little bit as well. So [it] looked like they’re progressing.”
Nurse was then asked if both players participated in 5-on-5 scrimmaging,
“No, Nurse said. They just did some live stuff in some of the drills.”
At this point, it seems unlikely, at the very least, that either player will join the team for their upcoming road trip. Perhaps they both make their debut against the Detroit Pistons at home on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Tobias Harris‘ return to Philadelphia.
For the time being, Philadelphia is going to have to find a way to win games without former MVP Joel Embiid, a plan already being worked on by Tyrese Maxey.
