On Friday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will play another game without the presence of All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. When visiting the Toronto Raptors, the Sixers will have to get creative and work with former All-Star Tyrese Maxey.

Throughout the offseason, the Sixers were expected to slowly integrate Joel Embiid into the lineup. According to the team, the veteran center will not face any further setbacks due to last year’s knee injury, but they are ensuring he is fit and ready ahead of his debut this year.

As for nine-time All-Star Paul George, the Sixers added the forward in hopes that he can help Maxey on those nights when Embiid is out. Unfortunately, George recently suffered a setback.

In a Monday night game against the Atlanta Hawks, George was seen limping after struggling with a hyperextended knee. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game and underwent an MRI the following day.

The diagnosis was probably the best-case scenario for the Sixers. George was able to avoid a major setback. Nevertheless, he is missing valuable time with the team at the start of the regular season.

George was ruled out of Wednesday’s opener against the Bucks. While the team previously refrained from ruling George out of Friday’s game against the Raptors, it noted that the All-Star forward would miss the next two games, which also include matchups against the Raptors and Indiana Pacers.

The Sixers also placed Caleb Martin on the injury report ahead of Friday night’s game. With Martin dealing with a bruised calf, the Sixers are considering a possible break for their free-agent acquisition from the Miami Heat.

On Wednesday, Nick Nurse put KJ Martin in the starting lineup and noted that he liked what he had seen from the young veteran throughout training camp and the preseason. He mentioned that he wanted Caleb Martin to bring the energy off the bench but play the starting minutes.

KJ Martin had three points and five rebounds. In 15 minutes of action, he was minus-12. Caleb Martin actually played the starting minute and checked in for 38 minutes. During that time, he nearly achieved a double-double, hitting 50 percent of his shots, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Caleb Martin will make his first start with the Sixers on Friday, as will Kyle Lowry.

The Sixers and Raptors will square off at 7:00 p.m. ET.