Four players on the Philadelphia Sixers were listed on the injury report ahead of the team’s home opener on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets

Sixers Injury Report: Four Players Listed

Three players, Paul George, Jarden McCain, and Trendon Watford, are listed as out due to various injuries.  George is coming back from knee surgery, McCain thumb surgery, while Watford is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Paul George Still Recovering from Knee Surgery

George is the big name; he was back at practice this week, but isn’t quite ready to play after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in mid-July.  Injuries limited him to 41 games during his first season in Philadelphia, dealing with a hyperextended left knee along with a groin injury.

The 34-year-old averaged just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 32.5 minutes per game, shooting .358 from 3-point range.

Who Steps Up in George’s Absence?

With George out, the Sixers went with Dominick Barlow in the starting lineup in the opener in Boston.  Barlow, who signed a two-way contract in the offseason, responded with 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Dominick Barlow #25 of Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket

Getty ImagesEmbiid Cleared but on Minutes Restriction

One name that is not on the injury report is Joel Embiid, who made his debut in the season opener on Wednesday night, scoring just four points on 1-of-9 shooting with six rebounds, two assists, and one block in 20 minutes.  He will likely remain on his 20-minute restriction for the home opener on Saturday night.

McCain will not play in the next week, but is getting closer after suffering a torn UCL in his right thumb right before training camp.

Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a three-pointer against the Orlando Magic

Getty Images

Watford, who signed a two-year, $5.3 million deal with the team in the offseason, could be a key rotational player this season.

You can listen to the Sixers and Hornets Saturday night with Tom McGinnis calling all the action on 97.3 ESPN, South Jersey’s home for 76ers basketball.

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