Paul George has yet to make his debut this season for the Philadelphia 76ers, creating a sense of unease among the 76ers’ fanbase. After all, the team gave up James Harden, who has already recorded impressive performances for the Los Angeles Clippers this season, in return for George. An unexpected offseason knee surgery forced George to remain sidelined as the season began.
Although there is no way to know for sure, recent reports suggest that George is on the verge of making a return to the 76ers’ lineup.
Paul George Is Expected To Rejoin the Philadelphia 76ers in a Matchup Against His Former Team
In a coincidence, George is expected to return for the upcoming game against Harden and the Clippers. According to senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, the 76ers star has fully completed his rehabilitation process and has been cleared to rejoin his team.
“Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is expected to make his season debut at home tonight against his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. George has rehabilitated offseason left knee surgery.”
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is expected to make his season debut at home tonight against his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. George has rehabilitated offseason left knee surgery. pic.twitter.com/px5bRR3BbO
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2025
Last season, George averaged 16.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 41 games for the 76ers. Unfortunately, injuries to him, as well as those to Joel Embiid and others on the 76ers’ roster, led to the team failing to qualify for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Things appear to be different this time around. As things stand, the 76ers hold a record of 7-5 despite not having Embiid and George completely healthy. That puts them in a better position when compared to the Clippers, who are at 4-9.
This sets the stage perfectly for George’s return. The 76ers have undergone significant changes over the past few seasons as they have sought to build a championship-winning roster around Embiid.
The team has been unable to achieve significant postseason success with stars like Harden, Jimmy Butler, and Ben Simmons paired alongside Embiid. Although there is no way to know for certain that George will be able to do what the others could not, the fans have no choice but to believe that his return could help improve their situation.
Over the years, the 76ers have gained a notorious reputation for consistently failing to advance past the second round of the playoffs. That is the standard that George and Embiid will be held to, as a bare minimum. Only time will tell if the team will be able to accomplish the same.
