Philadelphia 76ers

The NBA is likely to investigate the Philadelphia 76ers later this week in regards to Joel Embiid's player participation. The Sixers rested their star center all preseason and plan to sit him for at least the first three games of the regular season, putting his potential season debut to be next Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. It's generally a standard for the league to investigate teams any time a start player misses a nationally televised game as Wednesday's home opener against the Bucks will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. From Philadelphia's perspective, their plan is to keep Embiid healthy for the postseason. The big man has been nursing his left knee after tearing his meniscus in late January and is incredibly important to the Sixers' success. While Embiid rests his knee, Andre Drummond will be starting in his place. Drummond should be able to grab a significant amount of rebounds after averaging nine rebounds per game for the Chicago Bulls last season. Drummond will be a very solid fantasy option until Embiid returns to the lineup.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will miss the team's regular-season opener against the Bucks Wednesday, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The 76ers will start the season with a depleted rotation as star center Joel Embiid (knee) is also out and will likely miss up to three games. George has been limited in practice and will be reevaluated later in the week. Expect Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr. to see more time on the court while the 34-year-old veteran is sidelined.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will be sidelined for Wednesday's regular-season opener versus the Milwaukee Bucks, and he will likely be out on Friday against the Raptors in Toronto, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. The former MVP is expected to participate in scrimmages soon, but he could miss up to three games before being reevaluated, the 76ers announced. With the absence of Embiid, Andre Drummond will likely see an uptick in minutes early in the regular season.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (thumb) won't return to Friday's preseason contest against the Orlando Magic. The Sixers aren't going to take any chances here with the season opener being on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Maxey suffered a right thumb contusion during the first quarter of Friday's game. It sounds like a day-to-day issue, so fantasy managers shouldn't panic. The expectation is that Maxey will rest for a few days and be ready to go for the season opener. In the meantime, Kyle Lowry should see increased playing time with Maxey sidelined.

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) was diagnosed with a bone bruise. He will be re-evaluated in one week. While there is "no structural damage," the timeline could mean George will miss the start of the regular season. The latest update shouldn't impact his fantasy value ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, barring a setback. However, with the 76ers looking for a championship, fantasy managers may be without George until the team is absolutely certain he is ready to roll. With that in mind, Eric Gordon, who averaged 15.4 points, 1.0 steals, and shot 45.1% from deep in 24 starts with the Suns last season, may spend time with the first five until George can return.