Why is Paul George not playing tonight against Toronto Raptors? Latest on star forward's season debut status (Oct. 25)
Paul George is listed as out for the Philadelphia 76ers' matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. The star forward was also listed out previously for the Sixers' season debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, which concluded with Philadelphia losing 124-109 to kick off the 2024-25 season with a home loss.
What happened to Paul George?
Paul George suffered a bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee during a preseason matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 14. The Sixers star has been sidelined ever since.
George is reportedly "progressing well in his recovery" and will also miss their matchup against the Indiana Pacers following Friday's game against the Raptors. Further updates on his availability will be shared by the team early next week.
Paul George provides comprehensive update on his injury status
Paul George's preseason injury looked scary at first, but upon further inspection, it was not deemed too serious as his knee remained structurally intact. Days after his injury, George took his podcast, 'Podacst P', to analyze the moment he suffered the injury and further elaborate on his status.
“It was crazy because it was a normal play that I’ve made so many times of, guy dribbling across, I reach, poke the ball free and I go either get the steal or I’m off running for the fast break. That was what was playing out in my head after I poked it loose."
"And then, I don’t know, my leg just went back and I was about to take off, and I guess my leg just kind of got stuck, bro...And when I went to push off, all my momentum is going forward, and my leg, it just caused it to go inwards."
George compared the injury to the one he previously suffered when he was playing for the LA Clippers. The nine-time NBA All-Star elaborated that he is not too concerned, citing that the previous injury was more severe.
"Immediately, I was like, ‘Ah, this don’t feel right. This don’t feel right,’" George continued. "It was similar in terms of the bone on bone contact that I had in LA when I had that injury. It was similar to that, but not as severe."
"So I’m not too concerned. I was able to come back from that fine, totally healthy. So I’m not too concerned with it. But it’s more so just letting God do its healing, letting the fluid and stuff get out of there. I’m not too concerned, I’ll be back.”
Watch the segment at 8:00 here:
Apart from Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers also saw Jared McCain getting injured during their preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets, getting hospitalized with a lung contusion. Joel Embiid is also listed out for the upcoming game after previously missing the season opener.