In other words, a slow ramp-up was always expected for the superstar. Especially in light of comments he made around training camp, when Embiid bluntly told reporters he did not expect to play two back-to-back games for the rest of his career. However, it seems the seven-footer may have been hasty with that declaration.

Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Paul George will miss Wednesday's home game against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers due to injury management. Embiid and George are sitting out the second game of the Sixers' back-to-back as the team takes a long-term approach with both players and their return from left knee issues.

"He is the piece. He is The Process," Paul George said of his Philly co-star, who made his season debut Tuesday.