That is because the Sixers haven't been whole for many games to begin the season. Saturday's contest with the Detroit Pistons will be their 18th game of the season and the intended Big 3 of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George have played a grand total of six minutes together. That number won't change with Embiid out against the Pistons.

The Philadelphia 76ers held a Black Friday practice before their two-game road trip to Detroit and Charlotte. Just before Sixers head coach Nick

George, who has been out for more than a week with his second left knee bone bruise since Oct. 14, was a full participant in Friday’s practice, the team said.

Coach Nick Nurse addresses Joel Embiid and the rash of injuries the Philadelphia 76ers have had to battle through.

Sitting at 3-13 on the season after Sunday night's blowout home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Sixers continue to desperately search for answers as a season they entered with so much optimism has turned into a total catastrophe. Predictably, the tenor of Sixers discourse around these parts has taken a turn for the worse.

In order for Philadelphia to move forward, there has to be a fight up and down the roster. As the Sixers got back to work on Tuesday at practice, coach Nick Nurse was happy with what he saw from a practice he described as "edgy".