Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George suffered a hyperextended left knee during Monday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. The injury occurred while George was defending Jalen Johnson in the second quarter. His left leg awkwardly planted, bending unnaturally, forcing him to leave the game immediately.
George did not return, and the team ruled him out for the rest of the evening. However, George remained hopeful, telling *The Philadelphia Inquirer* that he wasn’t too worried about the injury.
Head coach Nick Nurse expressed optimism about George’s recovery, stating that he hoped the star player would be back with the team soon. George had only recently joined the 76ers after signing a four-year max contract as a free agent this offseason and was playing in just his second preseason game. The injury was seen as a precautionary exit, though it raised concerns given his crucial role for the team as they approach the regular season.
Meanwhile, the 76ers had already made the decision to sit out Joel Embiid for the remainder of the preseason. Embiid is focusing on ramping up his conditioning to ensure he’s ready for the regular season opener on October 23 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The star center missed much of last season due to a left knee injury, which limited him to just 39 games. This preseason absence is part of a strategy to safeguard his fitness for the long haul.
Team management, led by president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, has indicated that both George and Embiid will have carefully managed playing time this season. Morey hinted that the team will likely avoid using either player in back-to-back games to preserve their health. This cautious approach reflects the 76ers’ focus on keeping their star players fit and available for crucial moments throughout the season.
Paul George’s recent injury comes after a relatively healthy season with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played 74 games, the most he had played since 2019. This was a significant improvement after struggling with injuries for four seasons prior. With George now in Philadelphia, the team is hoping to keep both him and Embiid healthy to maximize their chances in what promises to be a competitive season.
