Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George will miss the team’s next two games due to a bone bruise in his left knee, the team announced Thursday. Fortunately, no structural damage was found following the injury, which occurred during Wednesday’s 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The injury marks a setback for the Sixers, who had just fielded their All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey together for the first time this season. George, who hyperextended the same knee during the preseason, will be reevaluated on Monday. He will sit out upcoming home matchups against Brooklyn on Friday and his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Sunday.
George, a nine-time All-Star, has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season after signing a four-year, $212 million deal with Philadelphia in the offseason.
The Sixers’ struggles continue, as their record fell to 2-12, the worst in the NBA heading into Thursday night. Key absences, including Joel Embiid (injuries, rest, and suspension) and Tyrese Maxey (hamstring injury), have plagued the team’s chemistry. Philadelphia’s last win came in overtime against Charlotte on November 10.
The Sixers hope to turn things around soon, with George’s return and a healthier roster expected in the near future.