Sources: 76ers' Paul George set to make season debut at Suns

BySHAMS CHARANIA
November 3, 2024, 7:29 PM

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is expected to make his season debut Monday at the Phoenix Suns, barring any setbacks, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, has been out since suffering a bone bruise in his left knee on Oct. 14, when his knee buckled on a defensive play in the second quarter of a preseason game at the  Atlanta Hawks. Tests showed no structural damage.

George, 34, participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Friday and went through practice Sunday in Phoenix. The team officially listed him as questionable for Monday. 

The 76ers start a three-game Western swing in Phoenix before visiting the Clippers on Wednesday in George's return to Los Angeles, where he played for five seasons before signing a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia as a free agent over the summer. 

Philadelphia's trip concludes Friday against the  Los Angeles Lakers.

The 76ers, who also have been without former league MVP Joel Embiid as he manages a left knee injury, are 1-4 on the season. Embiid will remain sidelined Monday, according to the team. 

The NBA is investigating a physical altercation between Embiid and a local columnist in the postgame locker room Saturday night in Philadelphia, a league spokesman said. Embiid expressed his displeasure and shoved the columnist in front of team staff and players.