Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Will Joel Embiid and Paul George Play in 76ers’ Regular-Season Opener? Latest Update on Availability of Philadelphia’s Star Players

Will Paul George and Joel Embiid play in regular season opener? Read to find out.

Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to tip off their 2025-26 NBA regular season next week on Wednesday, October 22, against the Boston Celtics. Before that, they have one final exhibition game scheduled for Friday, where they will be up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It will allow head coach Nick Nurse and his staff to have a final look at the roster before the team heads into the anticipated clash. However, concerns loom over the availability of their biggest stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George, in the game.

Both Paul George and Joel Embiid continue to recover from their respective injuries, and are aiming to make a comeback as soon as possible. But still, what is the scenario? According to the latest announcement by the 76ers, Embiid didn’t participate in the practice session that was planned. As for George, the big man participated in the session and got some 5-on-5 action done.

Will Paul George be Available for Regular Season Opener?

While the latest update by the Sixers on George’s participation in practice gave hope to the fans, Nurse’s update was quick to throw cold water on them. According to reports, George, who underwent an arthroscopic knee surgery in July, won’t be available for the preseason finale as well as the regular season opener.

As per Derek Bodner of PHLY, “Nick Nurse said that Paul George only played a little bit of 5-on-5 today, and indicated that George playing in the preseason finale, or even the regular season opener next week, was unlikely given he just started playing in live portions of practice yesterday.”

In addition to it, ESPN’s Shams Charania also reported of George’s unavailability in the season opener. “I’ve been talking to people in Paul George’s camp and I’m told that it is not expected that he will be suiting up for opening night,” Charania said. “He is making significant progress (on his knee rehab) and a return to debut should be shortly into the regular season.”

Reporting for NBA Today on 76ers forward Paul George's status to begin the 2025-26 season: pic.twitter.com/qcWGz4OR1D
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 16, 2025

Notably, George, 35, was ruled out for the remainder of the last season in March and got injections to his left adductor and knee. Due to persistent injuries, his appearance was limited to just 41 games, where he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. He shot 43% from the field and 35.8% from the three-point range.

Update on Joel Embiid’s Availability for Preseason Finale and Regular-Season Opener

Joel Embiid, who was optimistic about his recovery phase following left knee surgery in April this year, was seen in action during Sunday’s intra-squad game. While he looked good on court, head coach Nick Nurse hinted that Embiid might play in the preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Following Tuesday’s practice session, Nurse talked to Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers and said that there might be chances but it was a little early to take the final decision. “I think there’s some chance, yeah,” Nurse said. “I don’t think we’re there yet; it’s a little early in the week to decide. It still could go either way. I think we’ve got some thresholds to get over yet before we get to that point.”

However, as per Shams Charania’s latest report, the Sixers are hopeful about Embiid’s availability on opening night. “The Sixers are hopeful that Joel Embiid can play in Friday’s preseason finale and opening night next week in Boston,” Charania reported.

Notably, the former MVP was limited to only 19 games due to a knee injury, where he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 44.4% from the field.