October 21, 2025
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What is Joel Embiid's status for opening night?
The first injury report of the 2025-26 Sixers season is here. The initial report ahead of Wednesday night's season opener against the Boston Celtics, unveiled on Tuesday evening, is as follows:
The Sixers have an injury report for tomorrow’s game @ Boston:
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) October 21, 2025
Paul George (knee): OUT
Trendon Watford (hamstring): OUT
Jared McCain (thumb): OUT
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid is not listed on the injury report in any capacity. Embiid is full go for opening night.
Joel Embiid will suit up in a regular season game for the first time since Feb. 22, which was the last of his 19 appearances during a nightmarish 2024-25 campaign. Embiid, who underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in April, has clearly been on the verge of being ready for the start of the season; he played in his first preseason exhibition since 2023 last week.
Nine-time Paul George has been participating in Sixers practices of late, including one head coach Nick Nurse described as "heavy," but Nurse also poured some cold water on the idea of George playing in the season opener last week. ESPN reported that such an event was unlikely, but that George could make his season debut soon after.
Elsewhere, Jared McCain tore the UCL in his right thumb one day before training camp, a gutting blow as his recovery from a torn meniscus neared completion. He is expected to be re-evaluated in the next week or so. Trendon Watford's hamstring has been an issue dating back to the start of training camp nearly a month ago.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a left hamstring strain he suffered during the preseason. Brown was reportedly a full participant in Boston's practice on Tuesday. Of course, Jayson Tatum is out as well. Those are the only two players listed on Boston's injury report.
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