The Sixers know replacing Paul George is impossible. But they hope players ‘embrace the opportunity.’

Tyrese Maxey reached out to teammates Jared McCain, Trendon Watford, and Justin Edwards Saturday afternoon with a simple message. “Listen,” the 76ers’ All-Star point guard told them, “y’all got to be ready.” That is required because of Paul George’s 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, a shocking blow as the Sixers barrel toward Thursday’s trade deadline and the mid-February All-Star break. Their first step in making up for George’s production was a success, topping the New Orleans Pelicans 124-114 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Now, their broader goal is to keep pace in a crowded Eastern Conference — entering Sunday, three games separated fourth and eighth place — until George returns in late March for the regular season’s stretch run.

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