The Philadelphia 76ers will end their preseason when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The 76ers will then open their regular season by traveling to play the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
The 76ers have been without Paul George during their first three preseason games. In July, the star forward had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after suffering an injury during a workout.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an update on George’s recovery. The 2010 first-round pick is not expected to play against Boston on Wednesday.
“I’ve been talking to people in Paul George’s camp, and I’m told that it is not expected that he will be suiting up for opening night next Wednesday in Boston,” Charania said.
Charania said George is making progress with his recovery, and the 76ers hope to have him back “shortly” after the regular season starts.
“He still has some check marks he has to hit from his rehab process,” Charania said. “Because, remember, Paul George never got right last season–after having a hyper-extended knee. He had multiple other knee injuries in the preseason, early in the year, and every time he really rushed back, because of not only the Sixers’ start to the year, the other injuries.
“This team has Joel Embiid, other players. That was his first season in Philly as well. So Paul George never had the chance to be fully himself, fully healthy. And that’s why being back exactly when he feels like he can be comfortable and sustain his health. That’s been a big part of all this–to not have a repeat of last season.”
George played in 41 games for Philadelphia last season. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists during his first season with the 76ers.
Philadelphia did not have the season they envisioned because of injuries to Embiid (knee) and George. The 76ers finished 24-58, the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia is hoping the extra time they give George to recover will allow the nine-time All-Star to play elite basketball when he does return.
For more on the 76ers and the NBA, head to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.