The Philadelphia 76ers will have to wait a few more days to see their star acquisition in meaningful competition. According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Paul George will be sidelined for at least the Sixers’ current two-game road trip, which starts tonight in Toronto.
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George continues progressing well in his recovery from a left knee bone bruise. He will not play during the team’s two-game road trip and an update on his availability is expected early next week.
When Will Paul George Make His 76ers Debut and His Impact On The Sixers, Plus, An Update When Dejounte Murray Will Return To The Pelicans
As Haynes said, George will miss at least these next two games, including Sunday’s afternoon contest against Indiana. It makes sense that George is slated to play when the 76ers return home, as Joel Embiid is expected to be available, but a definite return date won’t be known until he is re-evaluated.
George has been sidelined since October 14, when he suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in a preseason win over the Atlanta Hawks. However, George and Embiid (knee), basically on injury management, did practice on Thursday.
“Sixers coach Nick Nurse said Joel Embiid and Paul George both progressed a little bit and were in “most of the action, per Philadelphia Inquirer Keith Pompey. “He said they are improving and making strides in all of the beginning basic stuff before doing some live-ish drills. They did not participate in the 5-on-5 scrimmage.”
76er fans are rightfully excited about seeing George at the Wells Fargo Center for the first time. The 34-year-old forward has been injury-prone for the last several seasons but has played well when available — he appeared in 74 contests last year, which was his most since 2018-19 by 18 games.
So What Will George Bring To 76ers
George signed his massive four-year, $212 million deal with Philadelphia to become Embiid’s primary sidekick. The 76ers are hoping teaming the nine-time all-star with Embiid will go better than James Harden’s tenure and bring the City of Brotherly Love their first championship since 1983.
Also, George is expected to help Tyrese Maxey when Embiid sits out. George and Embiid are not slated to play back-to-back games, so it is conceivable that the Nurse will sit one of the players on the first night and the other on night two.
Despite his advanced age, George is still an excellent two-way player, although he has left a step. George is a good defensive rebounder and an outstanding passer. But he does best by putting the ball in the hoop while developing into an almost elite shooter. Over the last seven seasons, George has drained 3.4 3-pointers a game while shooting 39% from deep.
George played in two preseason games for Philadelphia, both on the road. George was excellent in his first preseason, scoring 23 points in 26 minutes against Minnesota. He averaged 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while making 2.5 threes with a shooting slash line of .550/.500/.667.
Starting Lineup Change
With Embiid and George remaining on the sidelines, coach Nick Nurse has decided to change his starting lineup for the season’s second game. The 76ers (0-1), coming off a 124-109 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday, are starting Kelly Oubre, Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Kyle Lowry and Maxey against Toronto (0-1).
Drummond, Maxey, and Oubre started against Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Martin replaced KJ Martin at power forward, and Lowry took over for Eric Gordon. It is Caleb Martin’s first start as a member of the Sixers, as he was one of Philadelphia’s big offseason acquisitions.
It is kind of surprising that Nurse made a change without an injury so early in the season, especially considering that he touted how much he liked how KJ Martin played in the preseason. Nurse also mentioned that he loved the energy that Caleb Martin brought off the bench, though the 29-year-old was going to play starter minutes.
The 76ers starters posted a combined minus-51 rating against Milwaukee. Martin, who started his third game for the Sixers, finished the game with three points, five rebounds (2 offensive boards), and a minus-12 rating in 15 minutes. He struggled on the defensive end.
Gordon, who came off the bench most of last season, is basically the designated shooter these days. However, the 35-year-old wing struggled mightily on both ends and was 1 of 6 from the field, including 0 of 2 from the 3-point line.
Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry
Caleb Martin played exceptionally well against Milwaukkee, tallying 12 points on 5 of 10 shooting. He also grabbed nine rebounds (four offensive), doled out three assists, and blocked one shot in 37 minutes.
Martin, a part-time starter the past two seasons, was initially listed as questionable due to a calf issue. Since he is expected to see starters’ minutes regardless of whether he is on the floor at the tip, it makes sense that he starts the game to help with continuity. Plus, the Sixers need his defensive aptitude.
Lowry’s insertion in the starting lineup is likely for cosmetic purposes. With Lowry on the floor, Maxey is free to play off the ball more, thus permitting him to do what he does best: score. While the 38-year-old point guard has clearly lost a step or two, he still can run an offense, distribute the ball and shoot the 3-pointer.
Lowry had a great game against the Bucks, posting 13 points, six assists, and four boards in 24 minutes. Tonight is Lowry’s 21st regular-season start with the Sixers since joining the team late last season. The 76ers are 11-9 in his previous starts.
