76ers star Paul George likely out for season
The Philadelphia 76ers announced Monday that nine-time All-Star Paul George will be sidelined for at least an additional six weeks.
Paul George's frustrating first season in Philadelphia has unofficially come to an end, as the 76ers announced Monday the nine-time All-Star will be sidelined at least six more weeks due to groin and knee injuries.
The 76ers said in a statement that George received injections in both his left adductor muscle and left knee and is currently not medically cleared to play. The 34-year-old has missed the last two weeks with recurring groin soreness.
With the injury-riddled 76ers currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, George is almost certain not to return this season barring an unforeseen surge in the standings by a Philadelphia team that entered the 2024-25 campaign with title aspirations.
A return to the playoffs seems highly unlikely at this point with the 76ers having now shut down two of their superstars. 2022-23 NBA MVP Joel Embiid was declared out for the rest of the season on Feb. 28 due to a chronic knee injury that has put his long-term future into question.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 17, 2025
The 76ers were expected to be a major contender in the East after signing George to a four-year, $212 million contract this offseason to pair with Embiid and 2023-24 All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. They instead enter Monday's play with a disappointing 23-44 record as both George and Embiid have had considerable trouble staying healthy.
George has been limited to just 41 games this season while dealing with several ailments. He missed time early on after hyperextending his left knee during the preseason, then later was out five games from Jan. 28-Feb. 4 with an injured finger before being shelved for most of March with his groin issue.
The injuries have had an impact on George's production as well. After averaging 21 or more points per game in each of the previous nine seasons, the former Los Angeles Clippers standout is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per outing in 2024-25.
By shutting down both Embiid and George, the 76ers may be better positioned to keep their first-round pick in this year's draft. They dealt that selection to Oklahoma City in a 2020 trade that sent forward Al Horford to the Thunder, but the pick is top-six protected.
Philadelphia currently has the sixth-lowest winning percentage in the NBA this season, just slightly below the 24-44 Toronto Raptors.