Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is set to make his season debut on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers after missing the first 12 games due to left knee surgery. The 9-time All-Star underwent arthroscopic surgery in July following an injury in a summer workout. The Sixers, currently 7-5, have relied on strong play from Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe in George's absence.
Paul George, who signed a $212 million, four-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency last summer, has been sidelined since March 4, 2025, due to a left knee injury. He turned 35 on May 2 and entered the day listed as questionable for the matchup against his former team, the Clippers.
In his first season with Philly during 2024-25, George appeared in just 41 games, averaging 16.2 points—his lowest full-season scoring mark since his sophomore year with Indiana, when he averaged 12.1. Career-wise, the nine-time All-Star has averaged 20.6 points over 908 games. Last year, knee and adductor injuries marred his performance, leading to one of the worst statistical seasons of his NBA career.
The Sixers have started 7-5, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, thanks to All-NBA level contributions from Tyrese Maxey and the emergence of third overall pick VJ Edgecombe as a Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Coach Nick Nurse faces challenges integrating George back into a lineup featuring wings like Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre, who have thrived in Philly's pace-pushing style early this season. Joel Embiid has been in and out of the lineup again this year.
George's return could elevate the Sixers, especially if he regains the two-way form he showed two seasons ago in Los Angeles. The team plays five of its next seven games at home to close out November.