For years, dating to JJ Redick’s cameo in The Process, the Sixers have talked about the challenge of spacing around Embiid. Pace is a corollary discussion, avoiding half-court situations in which the Sixers could get bogged down by jetting into fast offense.

The team announced Tuesday that MVP big man Joel Embiid and All-Star wing Paul George would both miss the season opener against the Bucks. Embiid didn't appear in any of the Sixers' preseason games due to "left knee management," while George hyperextended his knee in a preseason contest earlier this month.

Embiid and George will miss Wednesday’s season opener against Milwaukee and could miss more games as the All-Stars expected to try to lead the 76ers to their first championship since 1983 return from injuries.