The Philadelphia 76ers are having a tough start this season, and injuries to key players aren’t helping. Paul George hurt his left knee again during a game against the Grizzlies, just after coming back from a similar injury that kept him out of the first five games. He got hurt while blocking a shot in the third quarter, and even though there was talk of him returning, coach Nick Nurse said his knee “stiffened up,” so they decided not to take any chances.
George had an MRI on Thursday that showed a bone bruise but no structural damage. He’ll miss at least two games against the Nets and Clippers, with a reevaluation set for Monday, November 25. While the injury isn’t serious, it’s worrying since it’s the same knee as his preseason issue. “It was a hyperextension, similar to the preseason, and on the same knee…We got to take a look at it and make sure [he’s alright],” Nurse said.
Here's the play/replays of Sixers' Paul George experiencing some sort of pain in his left leg once he lands.
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) November 21, 2024
Hard to see exactly what happened but PG walked off to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/LmzeeDYpFg
The Sixers are a mess right now, sitting at 2-12. Just as they finally got their top trio of George, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid on the court together, a setback hit. George had to leave the game on Wednesday after just 6 minutes due to an injury. This season, he’s been contributing 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, though his shooting percentage has dropped to 38.3%, which is below his typical performance. With Maxey still nursing a hamstring and Embiid’s on-and-off availability, Philly’s offense is dead last in the NBA.
Challenges Ahead For The Sixers After Paul George’s Injury
The 76ers are facing an uphill battle to turn their season around. With George sidelined for at least two more games and his status for the November 27 matchup against the Rockets uncertain, the team’s recovery largely hinges on their stars staying healthy. Embiid has already voiced frustration about his role, and Maxey is still working his way back to full strength. Meanwhile, head coach Nick Nurse is struggling to establish consistent rotations with players constantly coming in and out of the lineup.
One bright spot has been rookie guard Jared McCain, who’s shown promise in his early appearances. But other players, like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond, haven’t lived up to expectations. The lack of defined roles and consistent minutes is making it even harder for the team to find any rhythm or success. Nurse has admitted that building chemistry has been a significant challenge with the lineup constantly in flux.
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George’s injury seems temporary, but the Sixers can’t afford to lose more ground in the competitive Eastern Conference. With important games against the Nets and Clippers coming up, Philadelphia needs to find a way to win even without one of their key players. The team and its fans are eagerly awaiting Monday’s update on George’s condition, which could be a turning point for their season and their hopes of contending for a championship.
