The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a significant challenge in their upcoming matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, as Joel Embiid will miss the game due to right knee injury management. The Sixers' coach Nick Nurse was tight-lipped when asked about Embiid's status and those of his other injured players, including Paul George.
George is listed as available after sitting out on Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors, and it appears he won't be included in Thursday's lineup. However, this move comes with some relief for the Bucks, who are already dealing with the absence of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a left groin strain.
Antetokounmpo is expected to be out for a week or two, which means he'll likely be back in action when the Sixers visit Milwaukee on December 5. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Adem Bona will not play due to left knee and right ankle injuries, respectively. Tyrese Maxey, who suffered a right quadricep contusion, is listed as probable for Thursday's game.
Jared McCain has been cleared to play in both ends of any back-to-backs, which should help alleviate some of the pressure on the team's already depleted roster. As the Sixers head into this crucial matchup, they'll need to rely on their depth and reserve players if they hope to come out on top against a strong Bucks squad.
Injury report:
* Joel Embiid (right knee) - OUT
* Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee) - OUT
* Adem Bona (right ankle) - OUT
* Tyrese Maxey (right quad) - PROBABLE
* Paul George - AVAILABLE
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left groin) - EXPECTED TO MISS 1-2 WEEKS
George is listed as available after sitting out on Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors, and it appears he won't be included in Thursday's lineup. However, this move comes with some relief for the Bucks, who are already dealing with the absence of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a left groin strain.
Antetokounmpo is expected to be out for a week or two, which means he'll likely be back in action when the Sixers visit Milwaukee on December 5. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Adem Bona will not play due to left knee and right ankle injuries, respectively. Tyrese Maxey, who suffered a right quadricep contusion, is listed as probable for Thursday's game.
Jared McCain has been cleared to play in both ends of any back-to-backs, which should help alleviate some of the pressure on the team's already depleted roster. As the Sixers head into this crucial matchup, they'll need to rely on their depth and reserve players if they hope to come out on top against a strong Bucks squad.
Injury report:
* Joel Embiid (right knee) - OUT
* Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee) - OUT
* Adem Bona (right ankle) - OUT
* Tyrese Maxey (right quad) - PROBABLE
* Paul George - AVAILABLE
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left groin) - EXPECTED TO MISS 1-2 WEEKS
They're already dealing with injuries and now Embiid's out? 
Paul George being available but not playing is weird though. Doesn't feel like a smart move by Nurse. Bucks are getting some relief tho, Giannis' absence might actually work in their favor. Still gotta wonder how far this injury management is taking the Sixers... 
. And yay for Tyrese Maxey coming back in, he's a beast on the court! 
I just hope the Sixers can find some way to bounce back from all these injuries. This one's gonna be tough to watch... 
... but on a positive note, I heard Paul George is available so fingers crossed he can bring his A-game against the Bucks 
. And omg, Giannis being out for 1-2 weeks is HUGE relief for me, I was worried he was gonna lead the Bucks to victory and crush my fantasy squad 
. Anyway, gotta be hopeful that Tyrese Maxey comes back strong and the Sixers can pull off a win without Embiid 
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