76ers All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George practice, still not game-ready
Fri Nov 1 3:40pm ET
Field Level Media
Joel Embiid and Paul George are not ready to play in a regular-season game but did practice and participate in a full-court scrimmage with the 76ers on Friday in what the team framed as a sign of progress.
Embiid and George are out with left knee injuries and were ruled out for the fifth consecutive regular-season game Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 76ers play at Phoenix on Monday.
The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 for statements that didn't accurately convey the health status of the players.
Embiid's next game will be No. 434 in his career out of what will be a possible 806 games for the 76ers at the end of Saturday's game. By comparison, the player selected after former No. 3 pick Embiid in the 2014 NBA Draft, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, has played in 669 regular-season games and 52 playoff games.
"I wish I was as lucky as other ones," Embiid said Friday of his history of knee injuries and surgery to repair a torn meniscus on Feb. 6. "But that doesn't mean I'm not trying and I'm not doing whatever it takes to try to be out there, which I'm going to be here pretty soon."
Embiid, 30, speaking at the team practice facility in New Jersey after the scrimmage, made it clear he's riled up by the constant chatter about his desire to play.
"When I see people saying, 'he doesn't want to play,' I've done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that," Embiid said. "I do think it's bull----.
"I've done way too much for this f------ city to be treated like this. Done way too f------ much."
The seven-time All-Star and 2022-23 MVP played for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer. Embiid, who did not play for two seasons because of a foot injury after he was drafted in the first round in 2014 by Philadelphia, has averaged 27.9 points with 11.2 rebounds in his career playing only for the Sixers.
Embiid said "everybody has been on the same page" regarding his upramp to return to regular-season games.
Signed as a free agent in July, George said he was cleared for contact work earlier this week. He's been recovering from a bone bruise.
"Getting that wind up. You can't really simulate that level of cardio other than playing," George said Friday. "Just being thrown in the mix again has helped kind of get my wind up, doing some sprints, going off to the side of the court doing sprints up and down. That stuff is helping me get back. That's it. That's the last box I've got to check. I'm getting there."
George, 34, averaged 22.6 points with 5.2 rebounds in 74 games for the Clippers last season. In 14 NBA seasons, he has scored 20.8 points per game with 6.3 rebounds in 867 contests (819 starts) for the Pacers (2010-17), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-19) and the Clippers.
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Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) is available for Friday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Hauser has been dealing with a back issue that's already forced him to miss three of Boston's five games so far. The 26-year-old did return to action in the Celtics' most recent game on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers. He played significantly fewer minutes against the Pacers compared to the opening night blowout against the New York Knicks, but much of that can be attributed to the game against the Pacers being much closer. Tonight's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets may provide an opportunity for Hauser to receive more minutes in garbage time if Boston, a 10.5 point favorite, blows out Charlotte. Fantasy managers may have better options to get into their starting lineup. DFS managers wanting to take a shot on a cheaper option may find more value in adding Hauser to their lineup than traditional fantasy managers.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) told reporters on Friday that he is unavailable for Philly's matchup on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The news comes after Embiid practiced fully on Friday, a potential sign that the former MVP may be close to returning to the Sixers' starting lineup. The 30-year-old's knee has not been as healthy as the team previously indicated, leading the NBA to fine the organization $100,000 for misleading comments about Embiid's health. Embiid also indicated on Friday that the level of strain experienced while playing during the Olympics does not match up to what he experiences while preparing to play for the Sixers. Fans have been questioning that aspect of his return to the court, forcing him to clarify his absence from the start of the season. While Embiid works on his recovery, expect Andre Drummond to continue to get starts at center. At 12.5 RPG it's hard to ignore his value on the boards.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) is listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Russell continues to deal with a lower back issues, but it's not expected to keep him out of the lineup. He has been off to a slow start to the season but has the ability to be a legitimate threat because of his shooting ability. He only saw 24 minutes during Wednesday's game, so the Lakers might continue to limit him until he's fully healthy again. Gabe Vincent might see an uptick in playing time on Friday.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This marks the second game in a row that Jones will miss due to a right shoulder strain. The absence of Jones should mean that Jordan Hawkins continues getting increased looks in the rotation. He shined on Wednesday as he scored 23 points with four rebounds in 38 minutes of action. He could be worth a look as a streaming option until Jones is able to get back on the court. He should see significant playing time against the Pacers on Friday.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It sounds like Gordon is dealing with a right knee contusion, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned. Gordon finished with a season-high 24 points, five rebounds, and two assists during Tuesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. He's off to an excellent start to the season, so hopefully he'll be good to go on Friday. If not, Peyton Watson could be in line for extended run in the rotation.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) has been ruled out for the fourth consecutive game while he continues to go through injury management on his right knee. The veteran forward had to miss a bulk of the team's games last season due to knee issues as well. While he continues his injury maintenance, rookie Zaccharie Risacher will likely remain in the starting lineup while Garrison Mathews gets some minutes off of the bench. David Roddy has also seen more opportunities with Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) and Dyson Daniels (hip) out as well.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (hip) appeared on the injury report on Friday but he's listed as probable. The star big man should be able to suit up against the Toronto Raptors while he's listed with right hip soreness. Most of the time, Davis is listed on the injury report as a formality, so fantasy managers should expect him to play under the probable tag. If, for some reason, he's not able to play, then Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura would see big minutes.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is dealing with some knee soreness and has been listed as questionable ahead of tip-off on Friday. The starting combo guard only played five minutes in their last game and now appears on the injury report. In that game, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Ben Sheppard all saw more minutes. If Nembhard isn't ready to play on Friday, the same three should see a bump in production.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) has received a doubtful designation heading into their Friday contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. After taking a hard fall in their opening game, Quickley hasn't been able to get back on the court yet and it looks like he'll miss at least one more game. Gradey Dick and Davion Mitchell have seen the biggest increase in opportunities so far while Jamal Shead has seen a healthy amount of minutes off of the bench. Dick has been the best value out of the streaming options though.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (illness) is officially listed as questionable heading into their Friday night matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The good news is that head coach Jamahl Mosley expects Wagner to play and said that he's "feeling better." The 23-year-old has been dealing with the illness all week and has been able to suit up but his performances have suffered. The Magic will need him more than ever with Paolo Banchero (oblique) out indefinitely.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (shoulder) is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and has officially received a questionable tag for Friday night. The star guard has yet to miss a game this year and has played a huge part in guiding the Bulls to a 3-2 record so far. He's averaging 23.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 3.4 threes, and 4.0 turnovers per game. If LaVine can't suit up, Ayo Dosunmu would see the biggest increase in opportunities while Coby White would take on more of a scoring responsibility.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (glute) has a chance to return on Friday after suffering a glute strain during their first game of the season. The second-year wing is a big part of the team's future, so the Hornets are always going to err on the cautious side. This is the first time he's received a questionable tag since the injury though, so it looks like he's trending in the right direction. If he suits up, Josh Green will likely head back to the bench.
Clippers' G James Harden recorded a triple-double, finishing with 25 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in a 119-125 loss to the Suns on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Phoenix's G Devin Booker scored 40 points on 11-of-18 shooting in a 125-119 win over the Clippers on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Grizzlies' G Ja Morant recorded a triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in a 122-99 win over the Bucks on Thursday, Oct. 31.
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (adductor) won't play in Friday's game versus the Pacers. The veteran wasn't available for Wednesday's loss to the Warriors because of adductor soreness. As a result, Jose Alvarado got the start and finished with 16 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. He also shot 4-for-8 from deep. With that in mind, Alvarado should remain starting in all fantasy lineups. He'll also be a perfect value option for DFS managers.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (hip) won't play in Friday's game versus the Kings. The former Pelican has played well in his first four games with the Hawks, averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks. However, he's now dealing with a hip flexor strain, so he'll miss his second consecutive contest of the 2024-25 campaign. With De'Andre Hunter (knee) also out for this one, David Roddy and Zaccharie Risacher could continue to benefit, with the duo combining for 34 points in Wednesday's loss to the Washington Wizards. Garrison Mathews could also see some extra minutes, although he's not a dependable fantasy option.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) is questionable for Friday's contest against the Detroit Pistons. KAT was decent in his first three games as a Knick. Yet, he came to life in Wednesday's win over the Miami Heat, ending the night with 44 points and 13 rebounds while going 4-for-5 from behind the arc. The Knicks are thin as it is underneath the basket, so the team can't afford any more absences. If Towns can't get on the floor, Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukporti could split time underneath the rim, although neither player is worth adding to any redraft roster.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup versus the New Orleans Pelicans. The 28-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in the Pacers' first four games this season. Unfortunately, he missed Wednesday's overtime win over the Boston Celtics because of a sprained ankle. Isaiah Jackson got the start in that one, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Obi Toppin also had his best game of the 2024-25 campaign by amassing 18 points, seven boards, one block, and one steal. If Turner misses another contest, Jackson will likely remain with the first five, with Toppin getting some extra minutes off the bench. Both players would be worth adding to fantasy rosters. However, Turner must be ruled out first.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This marks the second game this season that Beal has missed and we're barely a week into the regular season. As a result, Ryan Dunn figures to draw another start with Beal unable to play. Dunn finished with 13 points in 21 minutes when Beal sat out against the Dallas Mavericks. Fantasy managers should expect a similar performance from him on Thursday. There is some low-end streaming appeal from the rookie guard with Beal unable to go.
