Joel Embiid, Paul George Won't Return from Knee Injuries for 76ers vs. Pistons

Philadelphia 76ers fans hoping to see the season debuts of star center Joel Embiid and star forward Paul George will have to wait a bit longer.

Per ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Sixers announced that both Embiid and George will miss Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons as they continue recovering from their respective knee injuries. They will be re-evaluated later this week, with their next opportunity to play coming on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Embiid has been held out for the start of the season due to left knee injury management, while George suffered a bone bruise during a preseason game. Without its two stars, Philadelphia is off to a 1-2 start to the year.

Embiid is expected to be limited for much of the regular season, as Philadelphia is hoping to ensure that he's healthy for the playoffs. George, who joined the team this offseason after spending the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, is expected to boost the Sixers' chances of competing for an elusive NBA title.

Despite not yet playing in a game, Embiid has already been assessed a technical foul. The NBA announced the decision on Monday after Embiid waved a towel from the bench in Sunday's game while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard was shooting a free throw with 16.4 seconds left in overtime while the Sixers held a 114-111 lead. Nembhard missed the first free throw and made the second, but the Pacers suffered a 118-114 loss.

Without George and Embiid, point guard Tyrese Maxey has taken over as Philadelphia's primary option. The 23-year-old leads the team with 31.3 points per game and appears to be on the verge of superstardom.

When Embiid and George return to the lineup, they will create a dangerous combination along with Maxey as the Sixers try to make it through the competitive Eastern Conference.