The 2024-25 regular season hasn't even begun and the Philadelphia 76ers are already providing nightmare fuel to their fans. In an era that's been unfortunately defined by injuries, the 76ers are beginning their latest chapter with a familiar story.
For as concerning as that may be, Philadelphia has no reason whatsoever to proceed in a different direction than they currently plan to.
The 76ers will begin the 2024-25 regular season with a matchup that could be a preview of the postseason. Nick Nurse and company will host Giannis Antetkounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, October 23.
Unfortunately, Philadelphia will play that game without two-thirds of its Big Three, as Joel Embiid and Paul George will both be held out for precautionary reasons.
Both Joel Embiid and Paul George will be OUT for Wednesday’s opener versus Milwaukee, the Sixers say. Embiid is responding well to his individualized plan and is expected to ramp up his return to play activities this week, including scrimmaging. He will not play in games this…
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 22, 2024
It's an anticlimactic way to begin the era of a new star trio, but it's also not worth the risk to play two key figures who have struggled with injuries in recent years when they aren't healthy.
Joel Embiid, Paul George to miss 76ers' regular season opener
Embiid missing the 76ers' first week is a disappointing development, but it makes some level of sense. After hosting the Bucks on October 23, it'll go on a brief two-game road trip during which time it'll face the Toronto Raptors on October 25 and Indiana Pacers on October 27.
They'll return to Philadelphia for games against the Detroit Pistons on October 30 and Memphis Grizzlies on November 2—providing Embiid with an extra week to rest between the Bucks game and the next home stand.
It remains to be seen what schedule George progresses along, but he could realistically be out for the same amount of time. Having him return for a home game makes more sense than having him travel, play, and rehabilitate at the same time.
Having two straight home games would provide George with an ideal returning and rehabilitating experience, as well as additional time to rest.
It's also worth noting that it would be ideal for the new Big Three to be unveiled at home rather than on the road. No win is guaranteed, but rolling out the new-look 76ers against a Pistons team that won just 14 games in 2023-24 would be as favorable as it gets.
Giving fans something to cheer about after a preseason that was defined by Embiid's unavailability, George's hyperextended knee, and Jared McCain's pulmonary contusion would be a welcome experience.
Regardless of what Nurse and the 76ers choose to do, it's understandable for fans to be panicking. It's important to remember, however, that while these early-season games can be important, it's a much bigger priority to have Embiid and George after October.
An ominous tone has been set in Philadelphia, but it's better to be facing this issue early in the season than closer to the playoffs.