Philadelphia 76ers Face Major Injury Setbacks to Jared McCain, Joel Embiid, Paul George

The Philadelphia 76ers have been plagued by injuries over recent seasons, which severely impacted their performance, culminating in a disappointing 24-58 record in the 2024-25 NBA season. Key players including Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have faced significant health setbacks, with Embiid playing only 19 games due to left knee issues and George undergoing knee surgery in 2025. Jared McCain, a promising young guard and 2024 first-round pick, suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout ahead of the 2025-26 season, raising concerns about his availability. McCain's injury is especially disheartening as he had earlier missed much of his rookie season due to a meniscus tear but was considered a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year before that setback. The team's injury woes have frustrated fans, some calling the 76ers a "cursed" franchise due to the persistent health issues. The 76ers face an uphill battle to maintain competitiveness in the Eastern Conference as they manage these ongoing injury challenges and contract negotiations.