UPDATE: Paul George has been upgraded to available and will make his season debut on Monday vs. the Clippers.
Paul George is expected to make his season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight while facing his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers’ forward underwent offseason knee surgery to repair an injury sustained in an offseason workout.
The Sixers were crowned one of the biggest winners of last year’s offseason by signing Paul George to a max contract as a free agent to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia ultimately went 24-48 on the season with injuries being the driving force of the underwhelming team success. George suited up for 41 games and posted averages of 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting just 43.0% from the field and 35.8% on three-point attempts.
There is more optimism for the Sixers this season with the team off to a 7-5 start to the year, even while Embiid’s injury issues have continued. George will be especially necessary in the team’s rotation following the news that Kelly Oubre Jr. suffered an LCL injury in the previous game that will keep him sidelined starting tonight.
How much George has left in the tank at age 35 is to be determined, but there is a clear role for him on this Sixers team. There is also sure to be some motivation surrounding tonight’s game following a few hurt feelings stemming from George’s exit from Los Angeles.
Looking at the odds for tonight’s matchup, the 76ers enter as 5.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Clippers hold +170 odds of pulling off the outright upset with the game total set at 220.5.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates surrounding George’s outlook and all other notable players.
