Paul George Set to Miss 76ers’ Season Opener Due to Surgery

UPDATE: Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is officially ruled out for the team’s highly anticipated season opener as he recuperates from offseason knee surgery. Sources confirm to ESPN’s Shams Charania that while George is making notable progress, he still has critical milestones to meet before returning to the court.

George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in July after suffering an injury during training. He was initially expected to be reevaluated in September, but now it’s clear that fans will have to wait a bit longer for his return. The 6-foot-8 forward is anticipated to make his season debut shortly after the opening games, but exact timing remains uncertain.

Last season, George played in just 41 games, his lowest since the 2014-15 campaign, due to a series of injuries. He signed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with Philadelphia in the summer of 2024, but has struggled to stay healthy, averaging only 16.2 points per game. He faced multiple health setbacks last season, including injections for his left adductor muscle and knee before ultimately shutting down his season in March.

The absence of George is a significant blow to the 76ers as they kick off their campaign. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will adapt without one of their key players. The 76ers are expected to closely monitor George’s recovery, with hopes that he can return to form soon.

As the opening night approaches, the team will continue to assess George’s condition. Stay tuned for updates on his return and what this means for the 76ers’ season prospects.