The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the best stories in the NBA through the first half of the 2025-26 season.
One of the reasons for their strong play has been Paul George.
The nine-time NBA All-Star 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.
NBA World Reacts To 76ers Star Paul George Getting 25-Game Suspension
On Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported news about George.
Via Charania: “Just In: The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.”
Just In: The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2026
Many people reacted to the news on social media:
John Clark: “Paul George is suspended for 25 of the final 35 games of the Sixers regular season. He could lose around $15 million.”
Paul George is suspended for 25 of the final 35 games of the Sixers regular season. He could lose around $15 million. https://t.co/Ou12UbE6xn
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 31, 2026
Law Murray: “PG was set for a homecoming week with road games against the Clippers and Lakers on either side of the trade deadline Now, barring some kind of an appeal, George won’t be available until March 25.”
PG was set for a homecoming week with road games against the Clippers and Lakers on either side of the trade deadline
Now, barring some kind of an appeal, George won’t be available until March 25.
— Law Murray 🐐 (@LawMurrayTheNU) January 31, 2026
Legion Hoops: “BREAKING: Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. Whoa. (ESPN)”
BREAKING: Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. Whoa. (ESPN)
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 31, 2026
Keith Smith: “The earliest Paul George will be able to return is March 25 at home against the Chicago Bulls. That will be with 10 games remaining in the regular season for the 76ers.”
The earliest Paul George will be able to return is March 25 at home against the Chicago Bulls. That will be with 10 games remaining in the regular season for the 76ers.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 31, 2026
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Charania also added: “Statement from 76ers’ Paul George to ESPN: “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 full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process. “I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.””
Statement from 76ers’ Paul George to ESPN: “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 full responsibility for my… https://t.co/0CpqjNToue
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2026
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George is in his second season playing for the 76ers.
He has also had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Clippers over 16 seasons.
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The 76ers are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 26-21 record in 47 games.
They are 5-5 over their last ten games (and have won two in a row).
On Saturday, the 76ers will host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Wells Fargo Center.
