### Embiid and George to Miss 76ers' Matchup Against Grizzlies

Philadelphia 76ers' stars Joel Embiid and Paul George will be notably absent from Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Both players have already missed the team's first four games of the regular season, and it was initially anticipated that Embiid might make his return on Saturday. However, after confirming his status at Friday's practice, Embiid revealed that he will continue to be sidelined, pushing his potential debut to Monday's road game against the Phoenix Suns.

Embiid has been managing a left knee injury, which has kept him out of action since the preseason. The 76ers' recent games without him include a mix of losses — to the Milwaukee Bucks (124-109), the Toronto Raptors (115-107), and the Detroit Pistons (105-95) — as well as an overtime win against the Indiana Pacers (118-114). Addressing criticisms regarding his absence, Embiid assured the media that his priority remains his health and readiness to play effectively.

Paul George, who has been dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee since the preseason, is also confirmed to miss this weekend's action. Despite their absences, there is a positive sign as both players participated fully in Friday's practice, hinting at an imminent return to the court.

The absence of Embiid and George has visibly affected the 76ers' performance. The team ranks 26th in the league, scoring 106.5 possessions per game with a minus-7.2 net rating. Their shooting from the three-point range has been particularly poor at a league-worst 27.7%, and they have yet to record 20 assists in any game this season, a benchmark that all other teams have met.

The organization has committed to a cautious approach with their star players' health, particularly aiming to ensure their readiness for the postseason. According to team president Daryl Morey, this means both Embiid and George may avoid playing back-to-backs throughout the season. Embiid stated, "I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career," emphasizing the long-term strategy focused on his health.

NBA insider Shams Charania noted on "SportsCenter" that Embiid's extended period of recovery and managed playing schedule should be considered his "new normal." This approach includes periodic time off and routine knee checkups through the season to manage his condition effectively.

The 76ers hope to bounce back with the return of their key players as they face a series of road games in the coming week. Fans and the team alike are eager to see Embiid and George back in action, contributing to Philadelphia's pursuit of a successful season.