Sixers inch closer to full strength with Paul George on the brink of return
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PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers may have their complete roster available for the first time this season as veteran forward Paul George moves into the final phase of his rehabilitation.
George cleared for last stage of recovery
The club said George has entered the final stage of his return-to-play program while he continues to strengthen his left quadriceps after offseason knee surgery. He met with team doctors earlier Tuesday and will be reevaluated later this week, putting his season debut within reach. The eight-time All-Star would offer additional perimeter scoring and experience to a group that has relied heavily on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey through the first 11 games.
Tests show no structural damage to Embiid’s right knee
Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters that imaging on Embiid’s right knee revealed no structural problems, leaving the reigning MVP listed as day-to-day. Embiid, whose previous knee issues were primarily on the left side, sat out Tuesday’s victory over Boston for precautionary reasons.
“No expectation at all,” Nurse said when asked about the possibility of a lengthy absence, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “He just reported a little soreness.” Team doctors reviewed the scans with Embiid on Tuesday night, Nurse added.
Nine clutch games already
Philadelphia has played nine clutch contests—games decided by five points or fewer in the last five minutes—out of 11 overall, going 6-3 in those situations. “I think it’s a good habit that we’re resilient,” wing Quentin Grimes told The Athletic’s Tony Jones. “But we don’t want to have to keep coming from behind. We want to play ahead.”
Edwards’ breakout performance
Second-year forward Justin Edwards delivered a season-best 22 points on 8-for-9 shooting in 27 minutes during Tuesday’s win. “I love him,” Nurse said, per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. “He works extremely hard, really worked on his shooting, and he tries like crazy on defense. He’s not perfect, but he’s developing into a really good young player. If he has a bad game, it doesn’t even faze me.”
The 76ers carry a three-game winning streak into Thursday’s home matchup and could see George in uniform for the first time this year if his reevaluation goes as planned.
Source: Hoops Wire
