Sixers list Embiid as day-to-day, George nears return; clutch trend continues
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PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers said postgame Tuesday that imaging revealed no structural damage in Joel Embiid’s right knee, leaving the reigning MVP listed as day-to-day, head coach Nick Nurse told reporters.
Embiid, who has battled left knee problems in recent seasons, sat out the home meeting with Boston after experiencing soreness in his opposite knee earlier in the day. “He just reported a little soreness in his right knee,” Nurse explained. “He’s had some imaging this afternoon, and the doctors are here tonight to go over that with him.” The club does not expect a prolonged absence.
George enters final stage of rehab
Veteran forward Paul George also met with team physicians Tuesday. The organization said the 34-year-old is in the last phase of his return-to-play plan as he strengthens his left quadriceps following offseason knee surgery. Another update is expected later this week, signaling his season debut could be close.
Down-to-the-wire pattern
Nine of Philadelphia’s first 11 games have reached “clutch” status—defined as a margin of five points or fewer in the final five minutes—with five decided by a single possession. The Sixers are 6-3 in those situations, yet guard Quentin Grimes cautioned against relying on late comebacks. “We’re resilient, but we don’t want to keep having to play like this,” he said.
Edwards provides spark
Second-year forward Justin Edwards, who averaged 4.0 points on 38.7% shooting through the first 10 contests, delivered 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting in 27 minutes during Tuesday’s win. Nurse praised the undrafted wing: “He works extremely hard. He tries on defense every time. He’s a really good developing young player that I love.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
