The Philadelphia 76ers faced another tough night on the court, as their highly anticipated trio of stars—Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey—returned to the lineup only to suffer more setbacks. On Wednesday, during a 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, George exited the game due to a hyperextended left knee, the same one that sidelined him for the first five games of the season due to a previous injury.
The injury appeared to occur in the third quarter when George landed awkwardly while defending Grizzlies player Desmond Bane. After the incident, he walked to the locker room and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. Compounding the situation, Embiid had a close call when he knocked knees with Jaren Jackson Jr., but fortunately, he managed to stay in the game.
The recent string of injuries has contributed to a disappointing season for the Sixers. They entered the match at a low point, tied for last in the Eastern Conference with a record of just 2-11. The team had high expectations following George’s arrival, yet injuries have plagued their efforts. Embiid and George both missed the beginning of the season with knee and bone bruise issues, respectively. Adding to the trouble, Embiid faced a suspension for an altercation with a columnist, and Maxey also dealt with a hamstring injury.
Despite the challenges, the return of the star players to the court—however brief—offers a glimmer of hope for the 76ers. If the team can stabilize their lineup and find a way to keep their stars healthy, there’s potential for a turnaround as the season progresses. Their struggles may seem daunting now, but there is ample opportunity for growth and improvement moving forward. Fans are eager to see what happens next as this talented group works to build chemistry and resilience in the face of adversity.