Joel Embiid and Paul George are both not listed on the Sixers' initial injury report ahead of Saturday's home game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, while Quentin Grimes (right ankle sprain) is probable:
Embiid has played in 14 of the Sixers' last 17 games, marking what is far and away his best and most consistent stretch of play since he tore his meniscus exactly two years ago Friday. During this stretch, Embiid has only missed games that are parts of back-to-backs. In other words: for more than a month, Embiid's only absences have been predetermined.
Across those 14 games, his averages are stellar: 34.0 minutes, 29.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Embiid not being listed on an initial injury report, even as probable, feels like a milestone in itself; it has not happened in nearly three months:
George, who has played in four of the team's last five games, has also largely avoided unscripted absences of late. Grimes went through a pregame workout before theSixers' win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, but was downgraded from questionable to out minutes after it ended. Grimes' absence over the last two games has allowed for more opportunity forJared McCain, who had a breakthrough performance on Tuesday.
MORE: How do you fit with Embiid? His teammates explain?
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