76ers Lack Timelines for Embiid George Returns Amid Injury Recovery

The Philadelphia 76ers face significant uncertainty for the upcoming NBA season as star players Joel Embiid and Paul George recover from knee surgeries, with no clear timelines set for their returns. Both players suffered from injuries last season, limiting Embiid to 19 games and George to 41, and both underwent surgeries in 2025, with Embiid having knee surgery in April and George in July. Team president Daryl Morey emphasized patience and medical guidance over setting expectations, highlighting the importance of listening to the players' bodies for their recovery. Embiid, who signed a lucrative contract extension, expressed his desire to play consistently despite a history of injuries, while George acknowledged his challenging previous season but remains hopeful about his rehabilitation progress. Head coach Nick Nurse pointed out the need to manage player health carefully and adapt the team's style of play to maintain competitiveness without rushing the injured stars. The 76ers' championship hopes heavily depend on the health and availability of Embiid and George, whose recovery timelines remain uncertain, raising concerns about the team's potential performance this season.