The Philadelphia 76ers’ season continues to be plagued by injuries, with star forward Paul George missing yet another game due to a finger injury. George sat out Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the 15th game he has missed this season. The 34-year-old sustained tendon damage to the little finger on his non-shooting left hand after jamming it in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls. While he is set to be re-evaluated ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, early reports suggest he isn’t expected to miss extended time.

Another Blow to the 76ers

George’s absence adds to Philadelphia’s growing list of injury concerns, as reigning MVP Joel Embiid also sat out against the Lakers. While Embiid was seen warming up in full uniform, he was ultimately ruled out and is also expected to miss the Kings game. Interestingly, a day before the Lakers matchup, Embiid was spotted at practice performing handstands, raising questions about his true health status.

The Sixers, who entered the season with high expectations, have struggled to stay afloat amid injuries and inconsistency. Their current record of 17-27 places them 11th in the Eastern Conference, well outside the playoff picture. The loss of Embiid and George—two key pieces of their roster—has undoubtedly contributed to their poor performance.

Paul George’s First Year in Philly

After signing a massive four-year, $212 million contract in the offseason, George was expected to be a game-changer for the Sixers. However, injuries and load management have limited his availability, and his production hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Through 30 games, George is averaging 17.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 36.5% from three. While those numbers are solid, they fall short of his career averages of 20.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

George has already missed time this season due to knee and groin issues, making this latest injury another setback for both him and the team. His best performance came just last Friday when he dropped 30 points in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, showing glimpses of the All-Star-caliber player Philadelphia was hoping for.

Can the Sixers Turn Things Around?

With their current trajectory, the Sixers are at risk of missing the playoffs unless they can get healthy and find some consistency. Embiid’s return will be crucial, as he has the ability to carry the team when fully healthy. However, the uncertainty surrounding George’s durability and overall impact remains a concern.

If Philadelphia wants to salvage their season, they’ll need their stars on the court consistently. Otherwise, what once looked like a promising season could turn into a massive disappointment.

Do you think the Sixers can bounce back, or is their season already lost? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!