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76ers hold Joel Embiid, Paul George out vs. Cleveland

Wed Nov 13 2:41pm ET
Field Level Media

When the Cleveland Cavaliers visit Philadelphia on Wednesday in pursuit of their 13th consecutive win to start the season, Joel Embiid and Paul George won't be available for the 76ers due to "left knee injury maintenance."

The 76ers, off to a 2-8 start, are also missing a third All-Star, point guard Tyrese Maxey, due to a hamstring injury.

Embiid and George, signed as a free agent in the offseason, played together for the first time Tuesday night in a 111-99 home loss to the New York Knicks.

After missing the season's first nine games, Embiid played 26 minutes -- on a planned minutes restriction -- and was 2 of 11 from the field with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.


Embiid said after the game he would like to play Wednesday, but the Sixers ruled him and George out on Wednesday afternoon.

Head coach Nick Nurse said Tuesday night that Embiid, 30, is still working past conditioning issues.

George, 34, played in his fifth game with the 76ers after missing the season's first five games with a hyperextended left knee. He is likely to be held out of back-to-back games because of his injury history.

Nurse said the 76ers hope to have more information about Maxey's possible return date by the end of the week. He began on-court work but continues to work through the rehabilitation process.

Player Notes
Anfernee Simons Wed Nov 13 5:40pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) won't play in Wednesday's clash with the Timberwolves. These clubs met on Tuesday night, with Simons lasting only five minutes. As a result, Shaedon Sharpe got more involved, finishing the night with 17 points in 33 minutes of work. Without questions, Sharpe's upside is higher without Simons on the floor. The same can be said for Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant.

Jusuf Nurkic Wed Nov 13 5:40pm

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is off the injury report heading into Wednesday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The 30-year-old injured his ankle when these clubs met on Sunday, keeping him off the floor for Tuesday's win over the Utah Jazz. Mason Plumlee got the start in that one, finishing with eight points and seven assists. But now that Nurkic is back on the floor, Plumlee's fantasy ceiling will come crashing down. As far as Nurkic is concerned, he's a must-start, especially with Kevin Durant (calf) on the shelf, meaning more scoring opportunities will be up for grabs.

Deandre Ayton Wed Nov 13 5:30pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick was also sidelined when these clubs met on Tuesday night, resulting in Donovan Clingan getting the start and finishing with four points and six rebounds. However, it was Robert Williams III who stole the show in just his third appearance of the 2024-25 campaign, ending the night by amassing 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. But with Williams getting the night off to rest, Clingan should have more opportunities to produce, although fantasy managers should still be cautious before putting him in their lineups.

Robert Williams Wed Nov 13 5:30pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (rest) won't play in Wednesday's rematch with the Timberwolves. Deandre Ayton (finger) wasn't available when these clubs met on Tuesday, resulting in Donovan Clingan sliding into the starting lineup. However, Williams benefited the most from Ayton's absence, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. While Clingan scored only four points on Tuesday, the door is open for more production with Ayton and Williams out of the mix.

Paul George Wed Nov 13 5:20pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) isn't available for Wednesday's matchup with the Cavaliers. The veteran scored a game-high 29 points in Tuesday's loss to the Knicks, adding 10 rebounds, three steals, and one block. However, he missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign because of a knee injury, so he'll take the night off before likely getting back in the lineup on Friday versus the Orlando Magic. With Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) and Joel Embiid (knee) also out, Kelly Oubre Jr. Caleb Martin, Guerschon Yabusele, and Jared McCain could all see a substantial increase in fantasy production.

Andre Drummond Wed Nov 13 5:20pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (illness) isn't available for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers. The veteran had been starting while Joel Embiid was sidelined. But with Embiid back on the floor for Tuesday's loss to the Knicks, Drummond had only five points and four rebounds in 18 minutes. With Embiid resting on Wednesday, Guerschon Yabusele should be considered a must-start in all fantasy setups, even more so with Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) and Paul George (rest) out as well.

Joel Embiid Wed Nov 13 5:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (rest) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2023 Most Valuable Player made his 2024-25 debut in Tuesday's loss to the New York Knicks. However, he had a rough night, scoring 13 points off 2-for-11 shooting from the field. With Andre Drummond (illness) also out, Guerschon Yabusele will presumably handle things underneath the basket and is in line to smash his fantasy expectations.

Andre Drummond Wed Nov 13 4:30pm

Philadelphia 76ers centerAndre Drummond (illness) is listed as questionable versus the Cleveland Cavaliers due to an illness on Wednesday. The 31-year-old veteran has averaged 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 22.5 minutes in the last five contests. The 76ers front court will miss Drummond's presence if he's unable to suit up, especially with Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) being held out for rest. If Drummond cannot go, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jared McCain, Guerschon Yabusele, and Caleb Martin may see their roles increase.

Marcus Smart Wed Nov 13 4:10pm

Memphis Grizzlies guardMarcus Smart(ankle) is still listed asquestionablebut is on track to play in Wednesday's contest versus the Lakers,Shams Charaniareported on ESPN's "NBA Today." The 30-year-old Smart has missed the last six games with a right ankle sprain.Before being sidelined, he started the Grizzlies first five contests, averaging 5.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His return will impactScotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be involved. He remains a solid fantasy option until their star point guard, Ja Morant(hip), returns.

Mike Conley Wed Nov 13 3:50pm

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that point guardMike Conley (rest) won't play Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers for rest purposes. The veteran point guard has played in less than 24 minutes in the last three contests. He's averaged 7.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across 11 games this season. While the 37-year-old has the night off, Donte DiVincenzo,Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and rookieRob Dillinghamwill likely see more playing time.

Brandon Clarke Wed Nov 13 8:00am

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (toe) could be out for the first time this season on Wednesday versus the Lakers, with the team listing him as questionable on the injury report. Clarke has been a starter for Memphis for the past couple of games, replacing Zach Edey. However, he's not had a big impact in the role, averaging 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 17.0 minutes. Edey might return to the starting unit if Clarke is out on Wednesday, although the team could also replace him with Marcus Smart (ankle), who is on the cusp of returning to the lineup.

Marcus Smart Wed Nov 13 7:50am

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is nearing his return to action and could be back on the court Wednesday versus the Lakers. He practiced on Tuesday and has been listed as questionable for the game. The defensive specialist has previously carried a doubtful tag. Smart has missed six games with a right ankle sprain. Smart's return is bound to impact Scotty Pippen Jr.'s usage, but he should still be heavily involved and remains a good fantasy option until the Grizzlies get back their starting point guard Ja Morant (hip).

Steven Adams Wed Nov 13 7:40am

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (knee) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Wednesday's action against the Clippers. The veteran big man missed the entire 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury and hasn't been used much this season. Adams has made five appearances, logging 13.6 minutes per game. He hasn't played in two consecutive games the entire month, which could be a sign that Adams will not be available on Wednesday. He had two points and seven rebounds in the last game against Washington on Monday. Adams' absence would allow Jock Landale (shoulder) to eat up more minutes, but the Houston big men lack fantasy appeal as long as Alperen Sengun is in the lineup.

Fred VanVleet Wed Nov 13 7:40am

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet (hamstring) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Clippers. He continues to deal with a hamstring issue and might be forced to sit out a second consecutive game. VanVleet's absence could result in another busy night for Amen Thompson, who replaced him in the starting unit Monday versus Washington. Thompson had his fingerprints all over the game, finishing a 107-92 victory with 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, four steals, and four blocks. Aaron Holiday and Reed Sheppard saw extra minutes off the bench but didn't do much.

Obi Toppin Wed Nov 13 7:30am

Indiana Pacers power forward Obi Toppin (ankle) is in danger of missing a second consecutive game on Wednesday against Orlando. He has been listed as questionable for the contest with a left ankle sprain. Jarace Walker saw extended minutes on Sunday versus the Knicks and will likely play a bigger role again on Wednesday night if Toppin remains unavailable. Walker was a headache for the Magic last week when he produced 17 points, but he's managed a total of 11 points across two games since then, making him an unreliable fantasy piece.

Dorian Finney-Smith Wed Nov 13 7:30am

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has been labeled as questionable for Wednesday's tilt against Boston. He could be out for a second consecutive game with a left ankle sprain. The 31-year-old has carved out a starting role for himself this season, averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Ziaire Williams filled in for Finney-Smith in the first unit on Monday versus New Orleans and nearly posted a double-double, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. He could get another chance to impress on Wednesday, although it's going to be a much tougher matchup for the Nets.

Anthony Davis Wed Nov 13 7:20am

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (foot, eye) has been listed as probable for Wednesday's encounter with the Grizzlies. The veteran star has battled a foot injury early in the season and hurt his left eye on Sunday versus Toronto. Davis missed a large chunk of Sunday's game but appears to be on track to play Wednesday. Despite the health issues, Davis has looked great this season, averaging 31.2 points and 10.4 rebounds with 2.0 blocks. A meeting with the Grizzlies will be a good test for his form. Memphis has the third-highest rebounding rate in the league, and centers haven't done too much damage against them in previous games.

Gradey Dick Wed Nov 13 1:00am

Raptors' G Gradey Dick scored 32 points on 7-of-20 shooting in a 85-99 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Dick is owned in only 67.1% leagues.

Josh Hart Wed Nov 13 1:00am

New York Knicks' F Josh Hart recorded a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 111-99 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Tyler Herro Wed Nov 13 1:00am

Heat's G Tyler Herro scored 40 points on 14-of-27 shooting in a 121-123 loss to Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 12.


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