The regular season is less than a week away as the Celtics host the 76ers at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at TD Garden to tip off the season. As has been the case in previous years, the Sixers are dealing with injury concerns with some of their veterans.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul George is unlikely to play in the season opener due to his knee. It sounds like Joel Embiid could be ready for the season opener, though, as he ramps up his activity.
“It is not expected that (George) will be suiting up for Opening Night next Wednesday in Boston,” Charania said. “I am told, though, that he is making significant progress after having offseason arthroscopic knee surgery and a return, a debut should be shortly into the regular season.”
The Sixers are coming off an injury-plagued year where they went 24-58. Embiid played just 19 games last season as he’s suited up in just 58 total games since winning the MVP in the 2022-23 season. George also played in just 41 games last season due to injury woes.
Philadelphia landed V.J. Edgecombe with the No. 4 pick due to its lackluster season, but it remains to be seen what the team looks like this year. The Sixers still have plenty of talent, including Tyrese Maxey, but even the guard dealt with injury issues last season. It’s mostly an availability concern when it comes to the Sixers roster.
The Celtics will also adjust to their changing roster themselves. Jayson Tatum will be sidelined for months to open the season with his Achilles injury. They also no longer have their veterans like Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as the C’s will look significantly different when they take the court next.
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