All 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers Make Shocking Decision With Paul George vs Thunder

Paul George has been ruled out for 76ers-Thunder.
Justin Grasso|
Jan 12, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) shoots during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) shoots during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

In this story:

Philadelphia 76ersOklahoma City Thunder

While the Philadelphia 76ers planned to be shorthanded against the Oklahoma City Thunder as early as Monday night, the team didn’t anticipate so many absences when they initially submitted their injury report.

Paul George was perhaps the most shocking name to pop up when the Sixers ruled him out against the Thunder. Not only was George left off the injury report at first, but when he was added, the Sixers labeled his status as probable, signaling there would be a high chance he could play.

Unfortunately for the Sixers, that’s not the case. When it was time to make a decision on George’s playing status, the Sixers downgraded him to out. According to the official NBA injury report, George is battling ankle soreness.

After dealing with multiple knee injuries at the start of the season, George has been available for the most part lately. Since the start of December, George has just two absences. His latest came against the Washington Wizards last week. The Sixers fared well enough to win by six points in his absence.

Since returning to the court, George checked in for over 35 minutes in outings against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic. Against the Pelicans, George made 10 of his 22 shots from the field and hit on five threes. He scored 25 points while coming down with 11 rebounds in the eight-point loss.

Against Orlando on Sunday, George made five of his eight threes, scoring 25 points again. He picked up his second double-double in a row with 10 rebounds. Unfortunately, George fouled out in crunch time, and the Sixers collected a five-point loss against Orlando.

In 26 games this season, George is posting averages of 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists. He’s been making 42 percent of his shots from the field and hitting on 35 percent of his threes.

Along with George, the Sixers will miss Andre Drummond, Joel Embiid, Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, Jared McCain, and Tyrese Maxey against the Thunder.

Sitting at 15-22 on the year, the shorthanded Sixers will have their hands full against a 32-6 OKC Thunder team.

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s Philadelphia 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia Threads: @JGrassoMedia

Share on XFollow @JGrasso_
Home/News