“That team isn’t real” – Joel Embiid and Paul George miss much-anticipated Bucks opener game leaving fans furious

Joel Embiid and Paul George will miss Wednesday’s season opener against Milwaukee and could miss more games

“That team isn’t real” – Joel Embiid and Paul George miss much-anticipated Bucks opener game leaving fans furious

Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined for season opener against Bucks

Bad news for the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans as their season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night will see them significantly short on star power. The team announced that MVP center Joel Embiid and All-Star wing Paul George will both miss the game due to injuries.

Joel Embiid had not participated in any preseason games due to the team managing his left knee while Paul George had hyperextended his knee in a recent preseason matchup. Furthermore, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that while Embiid is making progress, he will not play in any of the three games the 76ers have scheduled this week.

PG13, on the other hand, will be re-evaluated next week and the situation has raised concerns for the new Embiid/George era in Philadelphia. George was seen as a crucial addition to the team, as he was intended to complement Embiid’s scoring and Tyrese Maxey’s playmaking.

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However, his injury history and age have already raised red flags about his durability and ability to contribute consistently. Moreover, Embiid’s injury management is becoming increasingly worrisome as he indicated how he planned to feature.

The one-time MVP has a history of not playing more than 68 games in a season, and he was limited to just 39 games last season due to knee surgery. The Sixers did not however specify how many games George might miss.

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Fans react to Joel Embiid and Paul George’s injury-enforced absence

No one wishes injury for another but fate has doomed the Philadelphia 76ers as their season opener wouldn’t go as planned with the absence of their star duo. Fans were expecting the duo to team up together on opening night and they’ve taken their grievances to social media.

Here are some of the fan reactions:

While the situation is very disheartening, the Sixers will face a Bucks team that is also dealing with injuries, as Khris Middleton is out recovering from ankle surgery. Last season, the 76ers had a strong record of 31-8 with Embiid but a dismal 16-27 without him.