Paul George Injury Update: Timeline, Return Date & Impact on 76ers Season
Injury season has arrived for the 76ers as Philadelphia’s Paul George has been injured. He may not be around for a while due to a possible recurring knee issue again. 76ers are now expecting a new “Big Three”, to perform at their optimum.
It was only on the 20th of November that fans got a chance to see the much-anticipated “trio on the same field at the same time. But as things were beginning to come together, calamity struck: Paul George had to take his seat on the bench early in the second quarter after a hard fall and twisting his left knee.
In our case, let us take time and analyze George’s injury details, the recovery period, and the impacts on the 76ers season.
Paul Georg’s Injury
Regretfully, Paul’s knee has kept him out of commission before. He missed the first five games of the regular season due to a similar problem he had previously contended with in the preseason. This latest setback now raises the possibility of him spending more time off the floor.
- George injured his left knee in the third quarter of the 76ers versus the Memphis Grizzlies when he hyperextended it.
- He was limping, as he fouled Desmond while fighting for a shot attempt, and while trying to grab the rebound he twisted his ankle.
George barely played and scored only two points, four rebounds, and two assists in 17 minutes before pulling out. Following that loss, the 76ers were off to a 2-12 start in their first 14 games of the season.
Brief Understanding of the Injury
Here is a brief detail about his injury –
- Type of Injury: Blow to the left knee bone
- Test Findings: No evidence of structural damage
- Reason for Injury: hyperextension during a third-quarter play
- Prior Injury: Preseason knee injury of the same kind
The fact that it’s the same knee that George injured during the preseason raises questions, even though the diagnosis of bone bruise is somewhat comforting. The team will probably exercise caution in order to protect George’s long-term health.
What's Paul George's Outtime?
The 76ers have not yet announced a specific return date for George. But they did affirm that:
- The upcoming games against the Brooklyn Nets on November 22 and the Los Angeles Clippers are off.
- Reassessment: Set for Monday, November 25.
Upcoming 76ers Schedule:
Here is a list of upcoming 76ers schedule along with timings:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 22 | vs. Brooklyn Nets (NBA Cup) | 7:00 PM |
| Nov. 24 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | 6:00 PM |
| Nov. 27 | vs. Houston Rockets | 7:00 PM |
| Nov. 30 | at Detroit Pistons | 7:00 PM |
| Dec. 3 | at Charlotte Hornets (NBA Cup) | 7:00 PM |
What Next For The Team And George?
The team will have to rely largely on Maxey and Embiid to keep the team competitive now that Paul George is out of the starting lineup.
- With a league-worst 2-12 record, the team is currently in trouble and needs to turn things around quickly to save their season.
- It is devastating to lose a player like Paul, who has shown himself to be a flexible scorer and defender.
Issues Faced by the Team
- Players Injuries: This season, George, Embiid, and Maxey have all struggled with health concerns.
- Struggling Record: Because of the 76ers’ current record, every game is more important.
- Pressure on Maxey and Embiid: Both players must rise up to cover George’s absence.
Despite the difficulties, head coach Nick Nurse is cautiously optimistic, particularly now that George’s knee tests showed no structural damage. Similar to how they handled his previous knee problem, the team will probably approach his recuperation cautiously.
Can Embiid and Maxey sustain the 76ers?
- Embiid, the team’s mainstay, must continue to dominate in the paint and ton greater scoring responsibilities.
- Maxey wants to get back into his rhythm after recovering from his own injury, so his performance will be quite important.
How successfully the 76ers can weather this storm without their third star will be determined over the course of the next few weeks.
Paul George's Career Stats:
Known for his leadership, defense, and scoring, Paul George has been a reliable force in the NBA. His career averages are as follows:
| Statistics | Career Average |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 20.7 |
| Rebounds per Game | 6.3 |
| Assists per Game | 3.7 |
| Steals per Game | 1.7 |
| Blocks per Game | 0.4 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 44.0% |
| 3-Point Percentage | 38.4% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 85.4% |
George can have a range of impacts on the game, and both ends of the court will undoubtedly feel his absence.
Implications For The Team
The 76ers’ chances of competing this season will depend on how well they play without George. The club has already encountered a number of difficulties, such as injury issues and a difficult season opener. They will have to deal with their depth and fitness concerns as they proceed without George in order to prevent being further behind.
The team’s resolve will be put to the test in the forthcoming games against Brooklyn and Los Angeles, and they need to keep coming up with new strategies to maintain their hopes of making the playoffs.
