The 76ers kick off their 2024-25 campaign with a duel against the Bucks on Wednesday night. They'll be without two of their best players when they do.
Joel Embiid and Paul George are set to miss out on the matchup, the organization announced. The reason why? Injury.
Embiid's injury history is as checkered as they come. George finds himself in a similar predicament, being felled by nagging ailments over the past few years. The 34-year-old facing another absence — even if it does look to be short-term — has to cause concern across segments of Philly's fanbase. After all, the franchise committed more than $200 million to secure his services in the offseason in the hopes of competing for a title.
With that, The Sporting News fills you in on the nature of George's latest issue, a bone bruise in his knee.
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Is Paul George playing tonight?
George won't take part in the festivities during Philadelphia's season-opening contest vs. the Bucks on Wednesday. He was ruled out of the duel with a bone bruise to his knee, the team announced on Tuesday.
George suffered the injury in an Oct. 14 preseason clash with the Hawks. While matched up against Atlanta wing Jalen Johnson, George planted awkwardly on his left leg, appearing to hyperextend his knee in the process. He was immediately removed from the game and eventually diagnosed with a bone bruise. He avoided structural damage to the knee and isn't expected to miss too much time.
Philadelphia has plans on keeping George's health in check over the course of the season; Sixers general manager Daryl Morey told ESPN's Tim Bontemps that the $212 million man wasn't expected to play most back-to-backs this year.
George's health will be of the utmost importance for the Sixers in 2025.
What channel is 76ers vs. Bucks on?
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live streaming: Sling
76ers vs. Bucks will air on ESPN in the U.S. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling gives subscribers the ability to watch NBA regular season and postseason games. You can join Sling for as low as $15 for your first month, a $25 savings.
MORE: The latest on Joel Embiid's injury and absence to open the season
What time is 76ers vs. Bucks tonight?
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. CT | 4:30 p.m. PT
76ers vs. Bucks will tip off around 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The game will be played at Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia.
76ers upcoming schedule 2024-25
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Oct. 25 | at Raptors | 7 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 27 | at Pacers | 3:30 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 30 | vs. Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 2 | vs. Grizzlies | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 4 | at Suns | 10:15 p.m. | NBA TV |