George expected to make his season debut for the 76ers in a showdown against the Suns, while Joel Embiid remains sidelined.
Paul George is expected to make his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center. George, who missed the Sixers’ first five games due to a preseason hyperextension, will face off against stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, George has been cleared to play and is anticipated to help lift the Sixers out of their 1-4 season start. Philadelphia has struggled early, with Tyrese Maxey shouldering much of the load as Joel Embiid, the 2024 MVP, remains under injury management for a left knee issue.
George’s absence followed an October 14 preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks in which he awkwardly landed on his left leg. While initial concerns suggested potential knee damage, tests confirmed no structural issues, revealing only a bone bruise. This diagnosis originally set a recovery timeline of one week, but the Sixers extended his recovery as a precaution.
Philadelphia’s cautious approach is understandable, given the franchise’s $214 million investment in the 34-year-old forward. Although George remains one of the league’s top players, he has completed 70 games in a season only once in the past five years.
The Sixers are counting on George’s return to shift momentum and stabilize their lineup as they aim for a deep playoff push.
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The Philadelphia 76ers embark on a challenging three-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. While Paul George is set to make his season debut, Joel Embiid will miss his sixth consecutive game due to left knee injury management.
The Sixers, currently 1-4, are looking to gain traction against a Suns team featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. George’s return brings much-needed reinforcement, but Philadelphia will still be short-handed without Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP.
Philadelphia aims to reverse its early-season struggles with George back in the lineup, hoping his presence will bolster the team in this critical stretch. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. EST.
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