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Fantasy Week 7 | NBA Week 7

76ers All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George practice, still not game-ready

Fri Nov 1 3:40pm ET
Field Level Media

Joel Embiid and Paul George are not ready to play in a regular-season game but did practice and participate in a full-court scrimmage with the 76ers on Friday in what the team framed as a sign of progress.

Embiid and George are out with left knee injuries and were ruled out for the fifth consecutive regular-season game Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 76ers play at Phoenix on Monday.

The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 for statements that didn't accurately convey the health status of the players.

Embiid's next game will be No. 434 in his career out of what will be a possible 806 games for the 76ers at the end of Saturday's game. By comparison, the player selected after former No. 3 pick Embiid in the 2014 NBA Draft, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, has played in 669 regular-season games and 52 playoff games.


"I wish I was as lucky as other ones," Embiid said Friday of his history of knee injuries and surgery to repair a torn meniscus on Feb. 6. "But that doesn't mean I'm not trying and I'm not doing whatever it takes to try to be out there, which I'm going to be here pretty soon."

Embiid, 30, speaking at the team practice facility in New Jersey after the scrimmage, made it clear he's riled up by the constant chatter about his desire to play.

"When I see people saying, 'he doesn't want to play,' I've done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that," Embiid said. "I do think it's bull----.

"I've done way too much for this f------ city to be treated like this. Done way too f------ much."

The seven-time All-Star and 2022-23 MVP played for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer. Embiid, who did not play for two seasons because of a foot injury after he was drafted in the first round in 2014 by Philadelphia, has averaged 27.9 points with 11.2 rebounds in his career playing only for the Sixers.

Embiid said "everybody has been on the same page" regarding his upramp to return to regular-season games.

Signed as a free agent in July, George said he was cleared for contact work earlier this week. He's been recovering from a bone bruise.

"Getting that wind up. You can't really simulate that level of cardio other than playing," George said Friday. "Just being thrown in the mix again has helped kind of get my wind up, doing some sprints, going off to the side of the court doing sprints up and down. That stuff is helping me get back. That's it. That's the last box I've got to check. I'm getting there."

George, 34, averaged 22.6 points with 5.2 rebounds in 74 games for the Clippers last season. In 14 NBA seasons, he has scored 20.8 points per game with 6.3 rebounds in 867 contests (819 starts) for the Pacers (2010-17), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-19) and the Clippers.

Player Notes
Kevin Durant Tue Dec 3 9:50pm

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) won't return to Tuesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran was playing well, logging 13 points while making both of his three point attempts. He tweaked his ankle in the first half and was ruled out shortly after. He recently returned from a seven-game absence because of a calf injury, so fantasy managers could see him miss more time. If that's the case, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end. Royce O'Neale, averaging 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in two starts this season, may take Durant's spot in the rotation until he's ready to return.

Joel Embiid Tue Dec 3 9:40pm

According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, center Joel Embiid (knee, personal) is not expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. At this point, fantasy managers are left scratching their heads regarding his availability. For now, it appears the 30-year-old is in line to miss his 14th game of the 2024-25 campaign. With uncertainty surrounding the health of Andre Drummond (ankle), Guerschon Yabusele, who had nine points with 12 boards, one steal, and one block in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the Hornets, could remain in the starting lineup.

Paul George Tue Dec 3 9:40pm

According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, forward Paul George may miss Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. The veteran had 29 points in Tuesday's NBA Cup victory over the Charlotte Hornets. He also logged 37 minutes, so the team may play it safe by sitting him in the second game of a back-to-back. With Joel Embiid (knee, personal) likely to remain off the floor, Tyrese Maxey could receive significantly more scoring opportunities. Jared McCain may also move back to the starting lineup and should also see an uptick in fantasy production.

Jeremy Sochan Tue Dec 3 7:50pm

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) is set to make his return Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the team's last 13 games recovering from left thumb surgery. He is expected to come off the bench and may see limited minutes as he eases back into action. In seven appearances this season, Sochan has been a valuable contributor, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and shooting 51.2% from the field over 29.3 minutes per game. His presence and athleticism will be a welcome boost for the Spurs, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if he can maintain his efficiency following his return.

Cameron Johnson Tue Dec 3 7:30pm

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to a left ankle sprain. If Johnson is unable to suit up, Tyrese Martin could see an increased role and potentially draw another start. Johnson has been an important contributor for the Nets, averaging 18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In his most recent outing against Orlando, he delivered an impressive 26 points in 36 minutes. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status, as a return would provide a significant boost to their lineups.

Dorian Finney-Smith Tue Dec 3 7:20pm

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers as he deals with a sprained left ankle. The 31-year-old is at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game. Finney-Smith has been a key rotational piece for Brooklyn this season, averaging 29 minutes and 10.7 points per game. If he is ruled out, Jalen Wilson is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers will want to check on his status closer to tip-off on Wednesday.

Ben Simmons Tue Dec 3 7:10pm

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers, but reports indicate he is expected to play. Simmons sat out Monday's game against the Bulls for back injury management, but the team seems hopeful about his availability. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of tip-off. In his most recent appearance against the Orlando Magic, the veteran guard logged 12 minutes, dishing out five assists but going scoreless.

Ziaire Williams Tue Dec 3 7:00pm

Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 23-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday's matchup with the Magic. Williams has been a reliable rotational piece for the Nets this season, averaging 21.8 minutes and 8.6 points per game. Tyrese Martin may see an increase in playing time as a result. Williams' next opportunity to return will be Sunday against the Bucks.

Trae Young Tue Dec 3 6:50pm

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right Achilles tendinitis. The All-Star point guard has been a standout playmaker this season, leading the league with 12.2 assists per game while also contributing 20.9 points per contest. Young continues to stuff the stat sheet, including an impressive 15-assist performance in Monday's game against the Pelicans. If he takes the court as expected, fantasy managers can count on his elite production.

Andrew Nembhard Tue Dec 3 6:40pm

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is set to play Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, marking his second game back after a 12-game absence due to left patellofemoral inflammation. The 24-year-old made a solid impact in his return, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes, though he could still face a minutes restriction as he works his way back to full fitness. Normally logging around 25 minutes per game, Nembhard is expected to rejoin the starting lineup and provide a boost for the Pacers.

Anthony Davis Tue Dec 3 6:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward/centerAnthony Davis(foot) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Miami Heat. Davis, as usual, is expected to play through his foot issues. He's suited up for 20 of 21 games so far this season, averaging 27.8 points and 11.5 rebounds. However, he has failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of the last six contests.

Naji Marshall Tue Dec 3 6:30pm

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will miss Tuesday's matchup versus the Trail Blazers, marking his second-straight absence. The former Pelican had been starting, mostly while Klay Thompson (foot) sat on the shelf. He has played well in such opportunities, averaging 13.1 points and 4.0 rebounds. But with Thompson returning for this one, Marshall's ceiling would have dropped significantly, although his absence will continue to keep Spencer Dinwiddie involved.

Klay Thompson Tue Dec 3 6:20pm

Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson (foot) will play on Tuesday night versus Memphis after missing the last four games because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The former Golden State Warrior has struggled to find his footing in his first season with the Mavs, averaging 13.2 points, the second-lowest of his career. He'll likely bounce back at some point. But fantasy managers should lower their expectations for at least a game or two, especially since Thompson is coming off a four-game layoff. With Naji Marshall (illness) out, Spencer Dinwiddie, coming off a 20-point showing in Sunday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers, is still worth considering for fantasy lineups.

Caleb Martin Tue Dec 3 6:00pm

Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (back) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Martin is back in the mix following a two-game absence due to back soreness. He'll head to the bench with Kenyon Martin Jr. getting the starting nod on Tuesday. Martin is coming off a 19-point game across 27 minutes during his last game. He figures to lose some minutes here, but could still be worth a look as a low-end streaming option.

Austin Reaves Tue Dec 3 6:00pm

Los Angeles Lakers guardAustin Reaves(pelvis) is listed as questionable and could miss his third consecutive contest on Tuesday due to a left pelvic contusion. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up against the Heat, D'Angelo Russell will likely be in the starting five after he 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 34 minutes during Monday's 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves.

Dean Wade Tue Dec 3 5:50pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) will make his return to the court for Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Wade is back in the mix following a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. His return won't mean too much with the Cavs mostly healthy at the forward spot. Wade figures to resume his role playing in the teens, which doesn't result in much fantasy value. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are likely to see a few less minutes with Wade returning.

Reggie Jackson Tue Dec 3 5:50pm

Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyle Lowry (hip) and Reggie Jackson (knee) are both available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry will make his return to the court after missing each of the last five games due to a hip strain. The veteran guard is averaging 24 minutes per game, but also had two scoreless outings in two of his last three games. That being said, Lowry isn't too appealing of a streaming option right now. As for Jackson, he'll likely return to his bench role which is normally only minutes in the teens, which won't be enough to give viable streaming value.

Mark Williams Tue Dec 3 5:40pm

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) will make his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. This will be the first time that Williams has played since December of 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to be under heavy minute restriction. He figures to be eased into action for quite some time, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Williams to be a great fantasy option right away. He figures to split up the center minutes with Nick Richards. For now, Richards is the better streaming option, but Williams should be a strong option once he's back up to full speed.

Micah Potter Tue Dec 3 5:40pm

Utah Jazz forward/centerMicah Potter (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder. The Jazz have been shorthanded lately, so Potter has played for at least 13 minutes in three consecutive contests. With the 26-year-old likely sidelined, players like Drew Eubanks, Brice Sensabaugh, and Svi Mykhailiuk could potentially see more playing time. However, they will not be factors in fantasy during Tuesday's contest.

Ty Jerome Tue Dec 3 5:40pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Jerome will head to the sideline for the first time this season. His absence will free up additional playing time behind Darius Garland. This should result in more playing time for Craig Porter Jr. and possibily Caris LeVert sees more minutes as well. LeVert is already averaging 24 minutes per game, so a few more minutes should give him an uptick in fantasy value for Tuesday's slate.


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