George's Hyperextension and McCain's Fall! It's Only Preseason—What's Going On with the Sixers?

The Philadelphia 76ers have high hopes for the upcoming NBA season, but injuries are already casting a shadow over their preparations. In a preseason game where the Sixers dominated the Brooklyn Nets 117-95, rookie Marcus McCain gave the team a scare after a nasty fall in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Paul George, their key offseason acquisition, is also nursing an injury, and the team’s superstar Joel Embiid has yet to make an appearance this preseason due to lingering health issues. With the regular season fast approaching, the Sixers are finding it tough to keep their roster intact, raising concerns about their ability to compete in the grueling months ahead.

McCain’s Scary Fall

Late in the fourth quarter of the preseason matchup against the Nets, rookie shooting guard Marcus McCain went down hard. After a missed left-handed layup attempt, McCain leapt up for the offensive rebound but landed awkwardly, hitting the court with a heavy thud. He lay on the ground for several moments before eventually making his way to the locker room, visibly shaken and in discomfort.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the situation in the postgame interview, noting that McCain had been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. “He had some trouble breathing,” Nurse revealed. “I’ve never seen a fall quite like that before.” While injuries from diving or jumping are common in basketball, Nurse emphasized that McCain’s flat impact on the floor was particularly worrying, with the potential for a severe injury that could jeopardize his season. Fortunately, slow-motion replays showed McCain cushioning his fall with his left hand, which likely mitigated the severity of the injury.

Kelly Oubre, who also spoke to reporters after the game, offered some reassurance for Sixers fans. “He’s okay. It was scary, but he’s lucky he stabilized himself a bit. He didn’t take the full impact on his back. We told him, ‘You’re gonna be sore tomorrow,’ but it’s all about making sure he’s 100% ready for opening night.”

McCain, the Sixers’ 16th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, has been a notable player in preseason action so far. The 6'2", 203-pound shooting guard, known as “Magic Man” for his incredible skills, has shown flashes of his sharpshooting ability, averaging 12.8 points per game across five preseason appearances. Despite his average defensive play, McCain’s shooting percentages (40% from the field, 37.9% from three, and 83.3% from the free-throw line) are promising. He has proven to be a reliable option as a backup scoring guard off the bench.

McCain’s unique background as both a basketball player and a social media influencer (where his dance videos have gained significant attention) made him a particularly intriguing prospect during the draft. His scoring prowess, which was on full display during his lone season at Duke, has carried over to the NBA. In college, McCain posted an impressive 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, with a blistering 41.5% from beyond the arc. His standout performance came during the NCAA tournament, where he averaged 21.0 points per game, capping off the season with a 32-point explosion in Duke’s final game.

Given his success so far in the preseason, McCain has already earned a spot in the Sixers' rotation. However, with the regular season looming, it’s unclear whether his playing time will be limited to around 20 minutes per game. The Sixers boast a deep bench, with veterans like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson also vying for minutes. McCain's injury scare, however, highlights the inherent risks every NBA player faces, especially for those looking to solidify their role in the rotation.

George's Injury Concerns

McCain wasn’t the only player to get injured in the Sixers' preseason. Paul George, the team’s marquee offseason acquisition, has also been sidelined due to injury. George hyperextended his left knee in a defensive sequence during a previous preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. After the injury, he immediately exited the game, and tests later confirmed a bone bruise. While it was a relief that George avoided any structural damage, the Sixers are understandably cautious about his recovery. He is expected to be reevaluated in a week, and the team remains hopeful that he will be ready for the regular season opener.

George’s importance to the Sixers cannot be overstated. As the biggest name to join the team in free agency, the former All-Star is expected to be a key piece alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia’s quest for a championship. His shooting, defense, and leadership will be crucial, especially after the team overhauled its roster following a disappointing playoff exit last season.

Head coach Nick Nurse, speaking after the win over the Nets, emphasized that George would be ready for the start of the season. “He’s not far off,” Nurse said. “We’re just being smart about it.” While George didn’t play against Brooklyn, he was spotted on the bench in street clothes, offering encouragement to his teammates throughout the game.

Embiid’s Ongoing Health Management

Perhaps the most significant injury-related storyline for the Sixers heading into the regular season involves their franchise player, Joel Embiid. The reigning MVP has been nursing a knee issue throughout the offseason and has yet to appear in a preseason game. Embiid has already indicated that he might sit out all 13 of the team’s back-to-back games this season to ensure he stays healthy for the playoffs.

This decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. On the one hand, preserving Embiid’s health for the postseason makes sense given his past injury history and the fact that he has struggled to stay fully healthy during previous playoff runs. On the other hand, critics argue that skipping regular-season games, especially back-to-backs, could impact the team’s seeding and chemistry.

For Embiid, however, the focus is clear: winning in the postseason. Despite claiming MVP honors last season, he has yet to lead the Sixers past the second round of the playoffs. The pressure is mounting on Embiid to prove he can be a dominant force when it matters most. Another MVP trophy would be nice, but what Embiid and the Sixers truly need is playoff success. Anything less than a deep postseason run will inevitably lead to more questions about his legacy and whether he can be the centerpiece of a championship team.

While Embiid’s decision to sit out back-to-backs has stirred controversy, the Sixers’ approach to managing his health reflects a broader trend across the NBA. More and more teams are prioritizing the health of their star players, especially when the ultimate goal is competing for a championship. However, as the injuries to George and McCain illustrate, not all injuries can be prevented. The rigors of the NBA season — even during the relatively low-stakes preseason — mean that injuries are always a possibility.

A Season of High Hopes

For the Sixers, the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be one filled with both promise and uncertainty. With a retooled roster centered around Embiid, George, and rising star Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers are positioned to be one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. However, their championship aspirations hinge on the health of their key players.

McCain’s preseason performance has been a pleasant surprise, and he looks like a player who could provide valuable scoring off the bench. But his recent injury scare serves as a reminder of how fragile a player’s health can be in the NBA. As for George, his knee injury is concerning, but if he can return to full strength by the start of the regular season, the Sixers will have one of the most dangerous trios in the league.

Embiid remains the centerpiece of everything the Sixers do, and his health is of the utmost importance. Even if he sits out all back-to-backs, the hope is that he can avoid any major injuries during the regular season and enter the playoffs in peak condition. For the Sixers, keeping their stars healthy is the key to success. After all, the regular season is long and full of obstacles, but the real goal is playoff glory.

This time, the Sixers can’t afford to let injuries be their undoing. They must stay healthy, stay focused, and make sure they’re in the best possible position when the postseason arrives. With the talent they’ve assembled, anything less than a deep playoff run will be a disappointment.