The Philadelphia 76ers will begin the 2024-25 season without two of their biggest stars on the field.

The Sixers have announced that Joel Embiid and Paul George will not play in Wednesday’s season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Last week, George hyperextended his left knee as the Sixers played the Atlanta Hawks in a preseason game. He left the game in the first half and did not return. The team later announced that George had suffered a bone bruise and structural damage had been avoided. However, no one was sure whether George, the team’s most important addition this offseason, would be ready for opening night.

Now we know George won’t be making his Sixers debut on Wednesday. The team said George will be reevaluated later this week.

Embiid is still recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee in January 2024. While the injury was surgically repaired and Embiid was able to return to action in April, head coach Nick Nurse said the team is being careful with their big man (especially given his commitment to Team USA at the Summer Olympics).

Although Embiid will not play in any games this week, the Sixers said he is stepping up his return-to-play activities, including scrimmaging. He will be re-examined by team doctors next week.