Paul George leaves 76ers vs. Grizzlies after aggravating knee injury, almost returned | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 20: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on November 20, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

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Amid early season woes, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another blow Wednesday.

Star forward Paul George left the Sixers’ matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter with a left knee hyperextension, according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones. Shams Charania of ESPN added that the injury came to the same leg that caused George to miss time at the start of the regular season.

He seemed to suffer the injury early in the third quarter after falling awkwardly while going up for a rebound. He did not return to the game.

Head coach Nick Nurse subsequently provided updates on the injury:

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba

Nick Nurse said he “believes” there is enough information to rule out structural damage to Paul George’s knee
Said PG was close to getting into the match at one point but his knee stiffened and they decided it was best to sit him out

Amy Fadool Kane @amyfadoolNBCS

Nick Nurse on Paul George: it’s a similar injury to preseason… (hyperextension) added that PG was close to getting back in the game, but his knee stiffened so he couldn’t. They will see how he reacts tomorrow for an update. pic.twitter.com/IfugNWthSa

In his debut season in Philadelphia, George is putting up 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, although he has only appeared in seven games so far. He has missed a handful of games during the first month of the season due to the knee injury he suffered in the preseason.

The 76ers, off to a disastrous 2-12 start to the season, played their first game with all three of their stars — George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey — but now it’s possible it could be a little longer before they all is on the floor at the same time again.

Maxey has been fantastic this year, averaging 27.6 points per game, but like George, he has been limited to just seven games. Embiid has only played three games due to a knee injury, illness and suspension. He has put up 14.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in his limited action.

When George came to Philadelphia in the offseason, there was optimism that he could be the missing piece that finally helped the Sixers get over the hump and contend for an NBA Finals. The way the first few weeks of the season have gone, the 76ers would be lucky to even make the playoffs.

The one bright spot in the tough year has been rookie Jared McCain, who is averaging 15.2 points per game. game despite coming off the bench most of the year and playing just 21.2 minutes per game. match. Over the past five games, he has had 20 or more points, including a 34-point outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

If Philadelphia can finally fix its injury issues and get all its stars rolling, it could easily turn things around. For now, the 76ers will look to make do with George potentially out for a while.