The last image of Joel Embiid playing with the 76ers was him gritting his way through Bell’s palsy and the aftereffects of a left knee injury. He played 40 minutes in Game 6 of the first-round matchup last season against the New York Knicks despite being clearly limited.

Embiid should be paired for the first time with nine-time All-Star Paul George, who missed the first five games with a bone bruise. Embiid, George and fellow All-Star Tyrese Maxey were the 76ers’ version of a Big Three that was expected to make them one of the big favorites out of the Eastern Conference.

Midway through the fourth quarter, with the Knicks leading 89-77, Paul George had possession of the ball and appeared to be gearing up to score. Embiid tried to set a screen for his new teammate, but instead of stopping the Knicks defenders, it was George whom he prevented from doing anything after they crashed to each other.