If someone told you a month ago that Joel Embiid would be suiting up for the opener in Boston against the Celtics, you’d have called them crazy.
But here we are, the day before opening night, and the 2022-23 MVP is not listed on the injury report, meaning the big fella should take the floor. After missing the first nine games of the 2024-25 season and only playing in 19 games overall, Embiid’s 2025-26 campaign is already off to a more promising start.
Unfortunately, the team will be without Paul George
as the veteran wing still works his way back from offseason surgery. The good news is that George has practiced in full the last few days and his return feels imminent. The nine-time All-Star missed the first five games of 2024-25. It’s trending toward him being back much sooner than that, but we’ll see.
The only other notable injury is forward Trendon Watford, who’s been dealing with hamstring tightness. He’s also been practicing in full, but the free agent signee might be a little further away from a return than George.
Jared McCain remains out as he recovers from UCL surgery in his right thumb.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable with a left hamstring strain. The All-Star wing has been practicing in full the last two days. Jayson Tatum will likely miss the entire 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles.
The Sixers and Celtics will tip off at TD Garden Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. You can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia. The Sixers play their home opener Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets.
