The Philadelphia 76ers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
They come into the matchup as the sixth seed in the Eastern Confernece with a 26-21 record in 47 games.
76ers Get Bad News About Paul George Ahead Of Pelicans Game
Before Saturday’s showdown, the 76ers got bad news about nine-time All-Star Paul George.
Via Yahoo Sports: “BREAKING: Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced.”
BREAKING: Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced. pic.twitter.com/DjE3bwosHD
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 31, 2026
MORE: BREAKING: NBA World Reacts To 76ers Star Paul George Getting 25-Game Suspension
George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 42.4% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range in 27 games.
Since he was a major part of their success this season, the 76ers should look to add another forward (before the trade deadline or in free agency).
KEEP READING: NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Reveals 2 Big Men ‘At the Forefront’ of the Raptors’ Deadline Plans
76ers Should Consider Signing 3x NBA All-Star Ben Simmons
One player who could replace George is Ben Simmons.
The former LSU star spent the first five and a half years of his career playing for the franchise.
He won the 2017 Rookie of The Year Award and was named to the All-Star Game three times.
Paul George’s statement on his 25-game suspension, via @ShamsCharania:
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take…
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) January 31, 2026
Since leaving Philadelphia, Simmons has had disappointing tenures with the LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.
He is currently a free agent after finishing last season with averages of 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per contest while shooting 52.0% from the field in 51 games (24 starts).
While Simmons likely will not be able to return to his All-Star form, a reunion with his former team would make for a good story (and he could help them in a big way on the court).
There is also no question that Simmons knows how to play with 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, as they made the NBA playoffs three times together.
The 76ers are coming off a season where they missed the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2017.
