Is Paul George playing tonight against Houston Rockets? Latest on Philadelphia 76ers superstar's availability (Nov. 27)
The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday without star forward Paul George, who has been ruled "out" on the team’s injury report. This marks George’s third consecutive absence due to a left knee hyperextension.
The nine-time All-Star last played during the Sixers' 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 20. George sustained the injury in that game, logging just 17 minutes and finishing with two points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
This is the same knee George injured during the preseason, which sidelined him for three weeks and caused him to miss the first five games of the regular season. On Tuesday, George participated in practice and was seen doing individual work with trainers. After the session, he shared with reporters that he aims to return to action within a week.
In his eight appearances this season, the veteran forward has averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He is shooting 38.3% from the field, including 27.8% from beyond the arc.
Nick Nurse on Paul George's injury
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed Paul George’s recent injury, noting its similarity to the knee issue he dealt with during the preseason. Nurse explained that George had been set to return during the game against the Grizzlies but ultimately chose to sit out as the injury worsened.
"It was a hyperextension," Nurse said after the Sixers' game against the Grizzlies. "Similar to the preseason. Same knee I think maybe. We’re gonna find out a little bit more tomorrow, obviously, when they check it out to see what the extent of it is, but that's what it was."
"They said it was similar to last time which was a bone bruise. I think, yeah, and they actually did work him there. Again, you never know what happens. He was actually fairly close to coming back in the game, but then it kind of stiffened up as he got out a little bit more. So he decided not to and now we got to take a look at it to make sure," he added.
Nurse and 76ers fans are eager for Paul George to recover quickly from his latest injury setback, as his presence on the court is more crucial than ever for the team.