Sixers mailbag: Who will play on opening night?

The Philadelphia 76ers' mailbag focused on team concerns, particularly starting lineup predictions amidst injury uncertainties for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George.

Significant doubts exist about Embiid's availability for opening night following his early April arthroscopic knee procedure, with the team only stating he is "on track" for late September training camp. Similarly, George's return after his own left knee scope is expected to be approached with extreme caution. Based on public information, both players are considered close to toss-ups for the season opener.

The analysis presented three potential opening night starting lineups: one with both Embiid and George healthy, one with Embiid playing but George out, and one with George playing but Embiid out. The lineup featuring both stars projects George starting at power forward. Critically, the bench rotation for a scenario where both stars are healthy includes Jared McCain alongside VJ Edgecombe, Justin Edwards, Trendon Watford, and center Adem Bona.

Filling the starting power forward spot becomes difficult if Embiid plays but George is unavailable, with Watford seen as the best option. This scenario might also force the inclusion of two-way forwards like Jabari Walker or Dominick Barlow. The mailbag stressed George's crucial importance to the power forward rotation next season regardless of his nominal position. If Embiid is out but George plays, Bona would start at center, requiring George to shoulder a larger offensive load unless Kelly Oubre Jr. or Quentin Grimes can consistently step into a secondary scoring role.