UPDATE: Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is expected to miss the season opener due to ongoing recovery from offseason knee surgery, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier today. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return, but George still has critical benchmarks to meet before hitting the court for a regular-season game.
The nine-time NBA All-Star underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in July 2024 following an injury sustained during a workout. While he is making significant strides in his recovery, sources indicate he is not yet ready to play. George is anticipated to make his season debut shortly after the opening games, but no specific timeline has been confirmed.
Last season was challenging for George, who participated in only 41 games after signing a lucrative four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers. He averaged just 16.2 points per game, marking the lowest performance since his limited play in the 2014-15 season. The 6-foot-8 forward battled multiple injuries throughout the year, including issues with his left adductor muscle and knee, ultimately leading to his early season shutdown in March.
With George sidelined, the 76ers will need to adjust their strategies as they prepare for the upcoming season. This news impacts not only the team’s performance but also the excitement surrounding the NBA season opener. Fans and analysts alike are turning their attention to how the 76ers will compensate for his absence in the initial games.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on George’s progress and potential return to the court. The 76ers are hopeful that he will soon be back in action, but until then, the team will face an uphill battle to maintain competitive momentum. Stay tuned for further updates on Paul George’s recovery and the 76ers’ preparations for the season ahead.
