A highly anticipated NBA showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers has been dramatically reshaped by a severe injury crisis affecting both teams. The marquee cross-conference battle, scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, now risks being stripped of its star power, transforming into a test of depth and resilience.
Star Absences Reshape the Contest
The injury reports from both camps are lengthy and significant. For the Golden State Warriors, the biggest blow is the confirmed absence of their talisman, Stephen Curry. The superstar guard is ruled out with a left quadriceps contusion and did not even travel with the team, extending his absence beyond two weeks. He is joined on the sidelines by Alex Toohey (left knee management).
The Philadelphia 76ers' situation is equally dire. While there is a glimmer of hope with Joel Embiid being upgraded to questionable as he recovers from knee issues, the team has officially ruled out nine-time All-Star Paul George due to left knee problems and back tightness. This robs the game of three of its biggest attractions before the opening tip-off.
Detailed Injury Reports and Team Impact
The Philadelphia 76ers' frontcourt is particularly depleted. Beyond Embiid and George, Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (thigh/adductor) remain out. Quentin Grimes is questionable with right calf tightness. This places immense responsibility on center Andre Drummond and rookie VJ Edgecombe. The one positive note is that guard Jared McCain has been cleared to play with a thumb splint.
With George out and Embiid's status uncertain, the offensive burden falls almost entirely on guard Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging a torrid 32.5 points per game. His ability to carry the scoring load will be critical if the 76ers are to overcome their missing pieces.
The Warriors' list extends far beyond Curry. The team has seven players on the report, with several listed as game-time decisions:
- Jimmy Butler III (left knee soreness)
- Jonathan Kuminga (right ankle sprain)
- Trayce Jackson-Davis (right knee)
- Quinten Post (left ankle)
- Al Horford (right sciatic irritation)
In a rare piece of good news, De’Anthony Melton is set to make his long-awaited season debut after completing ACL rehabilitation. In Curry's absence, players like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will need to step up offensively once again.
Game Expectations and Betting Outlook
This contest, which was meant to be a showcase of elite talent, has now become a battle of attrition. Both teams are in need of momentum, with Golden State holding an 11-11 record and Philadelphia at 11-9. The uncertainty has made betting markets volatile.
The Philadelphia 76ers are slight home favorites (-148 moneyline), with the total points line set at 223.5. However, this edge is highly contingent on the final status of Joel Embiid. If he plays, the Sixers could dominate the interior against a Warriors frontcourt that is dealing with its own injury questions, especially concerning rebounding.
The Warriors' poor 4-8 road record against the spread further complicates their challenge. The game could evolve into a grinding, low-scoring affair where role players like Andre Drummond for the 76ers or Brandin Podziemski for the Warriors become the decisive figures. The matchup will be broadcast on NBCS-BA and NBCS-PH.
Ultimately, the tone of this premier NBA night has shifted from excitement about star power to intrigue about which team's supporting cast can rise to the occasion amidst a wave of debilitating injuries.
