The Philadelphia Sixers are dealing with multiple injury concerns as they navigate a crucial part of the NBA season. All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey remains sidelined due to a little finger sprain. This absence adds to the challenges faced by the team, who are currently battling for playoff positioning.
Embiid’s Possible Return and Other Key Absences
Joel Embiid could be nearing a return. He is listed as questionable to play in Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Embiid has been out for 13 games with an oblique strain in his right side, an injury sustained during the team’s Feb. 26 home win against the Miami Heat.
Embiid has returned to individual on-court workouts more than a week ago. He has also participated in portions of recent team shootarounds. Embiid was dealing with a stress reaction in his right shin as well as a right knee issue before the oblique injury.
Starting wing Kelly Oubre Jr. is also out with an elbow sprain. Starting guard Quentin Grimes is questionable to play Wednesday due to an illness.
Sixers’ Playoff Push Amidst Injury Woes
The Sixers are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. They entered Tuesday in seventh place with a record of 39-33. This puts them one game behind the sixth-place Atlanta Hawks and a half-game ahead of the eighth-place Orlando Magic with 10 games remaining.
Paul George’s Return
Starting forward Paul George will return Wednesday from his 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
Even with Embiid or Grimes potentially playing Wednesday, the Sixers will still be shorthanded due to the injuries to Maxey and Oubre Jr.