With the Philadelphia Sixers' season-opener in Boston only six days away, ESPN NBA insider reported on Thursday that Paul George isn't expected to play after he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in July. Charania echoed what Sixers reporters have said about George, that he's making "significant progress."
So, when will George play? There isn't a specific date, but Charania said his debut should come "shortly" into the start of the regular season.
Reporting for NBA Today on 76ers forward Paul George's status to begin the 2025-26 season: pic.twitter.com/qcWGz4OR1D
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 16, 2025
George was a full participant in Thursday's practice (for the first time this season!), including five-on-five action. It would be unreasonable to expect George to be able to turn around and play in Boston in less than a week, but maybe he'll be in the lineup on Oct. 31, when Philadelphia hosts Boston in its first NBA Cup group stage game.
Knock on wood, but George hasn't dealt with any setbacks throughout his rehab and recovery. It was unfortunate enough that he hurt his knee during an offseason workout, a few months after the season ended, in which he played only 41 games because of injuries.
Paul George not expected to play in Sixers' first game in Boston
You've already heard, read, and thought it a million times, but if the Sixers can stay relatively healthy for the majority of the season, they'll be a threat in the East. Joel Embiid is the most important part of that equation, and, speaking of, there's a chance he could play in Philadelphia's final preseason game tomorrow against Minnesota.
Fans know better than to get their hopes up about anything when it comes to the Sixers, but especially when it comes to good health. Still, this is all very good news. The bad part is that when Embiid and George play together again (and that day should come soon!!), then the next thing fans will worry about is how long that'll stay the case.
Another big concern when it comes to George is what kind of player he'll be after what was a dud 2024-25 season. He's only a season removed from averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for the Clippers in 74 (!!) games.
George is 35, so he's nearing the end of his career, but he should have at least one more good season left in him, right? Please?
Here's some more good and bad news (depending on how you look at it) — that answer should come soon.