Paul George Set to Miss 76ers Opener After Knee Surgery

UPDATE: Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is expected to miss the highly anticipated season opener as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier today. This development raises questions about his availability as the team prepares for the opening night matchup.

George, who underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in July following an injury during a workout, is making progress but has specific benchmarks to meet before returning to the court. Sources indicate that while he is expected to debut shortly into the regular season, he will not be ready when the 76ers take the floor for their first game.

The nine-time NBA All-Star faced a challenging season previously, playing in just 41 games after signing a massive $212 million contract with Philadelphia in the summer of 2024. His performance dipped significantly, averaging only 16.2 points—his lowest since the 2014-15 season, when he played just six games.

George’s struggles were compounded by various injuries, including issues with his left adductor muscle and knee, which ultimately led to him shutting down his season in March. The 6-foot-8 forward has only surpassed 56 games in a season once since 2018-19, raising concerns about his long-term health and impact on the team’s success.

As the 76ers gear up for the season, fans are left wondering how George’s absence will affect their chances on opening night. With the NBA season just around the corner, all eyes will be on his recovery process and the team’s performance in his absence.

Stay tuned for further updates on George’s condition and the 76ers’ preparations as they navigate this critical moment in their season.