NBA

76ers fans on edge after injury update to star

The Philadelphia 76ers look set to be without their star player ahead of opening night.

The Philadelphia 76ers look set to be without their star player ahead of opening night.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Joe Brennan
Born in Leeds, Joe finished his Spanish degree in 2018 before becoming an English teacher to football (soccer) players and managers, as well as collaborating with various football media outlets in English and Spanish. He joined AS in 2022 and covers both the men’s and women’s game across Europe and beyond.
Update:

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to begin their 2025–26 NBA season without forward Paul George, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery. According to sources, George is progressing well but is not expected to be ready for the team’s opening night.

The nine-time All-Star underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in July after sustaining an injury during a workout. Although he was initially expected to be reevaluated in September, there is no official timeline for his return.

George’s absence marks a continuation of injury concerns that have plagued his recent seasons; last year, he played in only 41 games after signing a mind-blowing four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, while shooting 43.0% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range.

George admits to “getting better and better”

He dealt with various ailments, including issues with his left adductor muscle and knee, leading to injections and ultimately shutting down his campaign in March. Over the past several seasons, George has struggled to stay healthy, surpassing 56 games played in a season only once since 2018–19.

Despite these challenges, George remains optimistic about his recovery. He has expressed confidence in his progress, stating that he is “getting better and better” and “feeling stronger and stronger.”

As the 76ers prepare for their season opener, George’s absence leaves a significant gap in their lineup. His scoring ability and experience are vital to the team’s success, and his delayed return may impact their early-season performance.

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After their Minnesota Timberwolves game, their final preseason matchup, the 76ers will open their regular season on Wednesday, October 22, against the Boston Celtics at 4:30 PM ET.

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