The Philadelphia 76ers received quite a blow Saturday when the NBA announced it suspended Paul George for 25 games due to a violation of the NBA/NBPA anti-drug program.

While that didn’t stop Joel Embiid and the 76ers from defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 124-114, the big man opened up about his teammate’s suspension after the game.

“I talked to him,” he told reporters. “Obviously, it’s unfortunate for him and for us. But we will hold down the fort. … Obviously, I don’t have all the details. All we know is whatever was tweeted. Saw his comment on it. I know Paul, he means well. Like I said, we’re going to hold down the fort until he comes back.”

Embiid also called George “impossible” to replace.

“I know people have mixed feelings about what he brings to the table,” he said. “You can’t replace it. (He) does everything for us. Defensively, probably our best perimeter defender. Offensively, can play so many roles. Knock down shots. Post up. Creation. Playmaking. Can’t replace it, it’s going to be tough moving forward. But we’re going to try.”

Still, Philadelphia took the “next man up” mentality he stressed on Saturday and improved to 27-21 with the victory. 

Embiid was unstoppable with 40 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal, while four other players finished in double figures. One of those players was Tyrese Maxey, who added 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds in support.

While players such as VJ Edgecombe and perhaps Jared McCain will be important in the effort to replace George, it will likely be up to Embiid and Maxey to carry the offense until the nine-time All-Star returns.

If the duo can do what they did Saturday, the 76ers can do more than just tread water from the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

As for George, he released a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania that said, “Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.”

He will be eligible to return for Philadelphia’s March 25 game against the Chicago Bulls. 

Where the team is in the standings will depend on whether Embiid and others were able to “hold the fort down” like he said they would Saturday.