While most of the recent injury updates surrounding the Sixers have been positive, there’s been an unfortunate add to the injury list: VJ Edgecombe.
The rookie was held out of practice Thursday with what
the team described as left hip soreness. His status for Friday’s preseason home opener against the Orlando Magic has not been determined. The fact that he hasn’t already been ruled out could be construed as a positive.
Before the Sixers Rookie Injury Curse conspiracists have their moment, head coach Nick Nurse didn’t sound overly concerned when addressing reporters after practice.
“He was held out today. They’re going to check him out, and I think they’re gonna give an update tomorrow afternoon.” he said.
As for the positive: Both Joel Embiid and Paul George were able to participate in portions of practice. While neither took part in any live action Thursday, this is still a welcomed development.
For Embiid, he was able to take the practice floor in 5-on-0 situations a day after participating in live practice Wednesday. Again, that could be taken as a good sign — Embiid sat out entirely the day after he participated in a live practice before the Sixers left for their preseason games in Abu Dhabi. Nurse noted that Embiid did participate in practices while the team was overseas.
“When he’s out there and they tell me he’s available, he’s going,” Nurse said of Embiid. “I’m not checking his pulse every day, they’re just telling me how much he can practice and how he’s doing. … I think it’s progressing pretty good and he’s been in a lot of live action over the last 7-10 days.”
For George, it was the first time he’d done any type of team activity since camp started. He’d just been doing individual sessions previously. When asked, Nurse said he “wouldn’t say yes or no” about George missing the entire preseason. It’s unlikely we’ll get concrete updates on either player until they’re almost ready to play.
The veteran wing also participated in some spirited 1-on-1 work after practice along with Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Justin Edwards.
Credit where it’s due — Edwards, who’s struggled mightily through summer league and two preseason games, was the last Sixer on a standard contract to leave the practice floor. Exhibit 10 signee Malcolm Hill was also getting up extra shots.
