The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealt another setback with an injury to Paul George just before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. Following a disappointing 24-58 record last season, largely due to injuries that limited Joel Embiid and Paul George to playing only 19 and 41 games respectively, the team’s prospects look bleak again. George has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, and will miss training camp starting in October 2025.
The Eastern Conference is already seeing several teams, including the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, struggle with injuries, and the 76ers are no exception. NBA analyst Tim McMahon expressed skepticism about the team’s chances, citing persistent health concerns and questioning the likelihood of Joel Embiid staying healthy throughout the season. Although the 76ers secured promising talent like VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the health of their star players remains crucial for championship hopes.
Even if Embiid and George are fit to start the season, McMahon warned that team chemistry could be an issue since injuries have prevented the core players from playing together consistently. According to him, the roster may look strong on paper, but the players will need to work hard over the summer to build the necessary cohesion. Unfortunately, with George already sidelined, trusting the team’s ability to gel smoothly appears challenging.
NBA insider Kendrick Perkins remains hopeful that if Embiid and George stay healthy, the 76ers could make a deep playoff run. However, the reality of injury setbacks and chemistry struggles may pose significant hurdles. The team’s success will depend heavily on maintaining the health of their key players and fostering teamwork across the roster.
Fan Take: This update is pivotal for basketball fans because the injury to Paul George could shape the competitive landscape of the entire Eastern Conference next season. For the sport, it highlights how critical player health and team chemistry are to sustaining championship-level performance, reminding fans that even the most talented squads face tough battles off the court.
