The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough spot and their playoff hopes are dwindling fast. Nick Nurse and his team sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a lackluster 21-40 record. Adding to their woes is Paul George and Joel Embiid’s ongoing battle with injuries.
Embiid is currently evaluating medical options to address persistent issues with his left knee, including surgery that could sideline him long-term. He has already been shut down for the rest of the season.
On top of that, George, a seven-time NBA All-Star, has injury concerns that need immediate attention, too. His absence only adds to the Sixers’ struggles, and head coach Nurse feels the tension rising. When asked about George’s situation, he gave a blunt response.
Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse Troubled Over Paul George’s Injury
The Sixers entered their Monday night matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers with several players on the injury list, including George. Initially downgraded to questionable with groin soreness, George was eventually ruled out and Philadelphia lost 119-102. His groin issue first surfaced in late January, causing him to miss five straight games, further adding to the 76ers’ struggles.
George’s injury is a significant concern for the team, and it was reflected in Nurse’s response. When asked for updates, he gave a blunt three-word answer:
“We’re certainly concerned.”
Coach Nurse when asked about Paul George's groin injury:
"We're certainly concerned."
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 5, 2025
The 6’8″ small forward brings both skills and size to the team. His absence not only affects the Sixers’ scoring but also weakens their perimeter defense, making it even harder to compete.
Losing George is a major blow for Philadelphia, especially since Embiid has already been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The former MVP was benched for the entire fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 22, a game the Sixers lost 105-103 on a buzzer-beater from Nic Claxton.
At the time, Nurse acknowledged Embiid’s struggles, stating:
“He’s not certainly the guy we’re used to seeing play at a super high level. But I commend him for giving us what he can.”
With injuries piling up, the 76ers have now lost nine of their last ten games. However, Tyrese Maxey has got a real opportunity here as the team’s primary offensive weapon now with both stars out. He’ll need to carry the scoring load and create opportunities for teammates.
As key players remain sidelined, the question arises – should the team shut down both George and Embiid? Nurse must act fast, Philadelphia’s long-term future may hang in the balance.