The last time Joel Embiid and Paul George played together was not long ago, as it happened earlier this same NBA season. Their most recent appearance came on January 22, 2026, in an overtime win against the Houston Rockets, 128-122.

It was a game where both made an impact. Paul George recorded 10 points in 37 minutes, along with six rebounds and four assists, while Joel Embiid finished with a triple-double, posting 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, showing how important they are for the 76ers.

Embiid injury update

The 76ers have been without Joel Embiid for the past 12 games as he has been dealing with a right oblique injury. Before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, head coach Nick Nurse said that Embiid participated in an on-court workout after shootaround as he continues his recovery.

Embiid’s season was impacted by injury. He has been limited to 33 games, averaging a little over 31 minutes per game. The last time he played was on Feb. 26 in a win against the Miami Heat, when he recorded 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal.

He has been averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks, with shooting splits of 49.5 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 85.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Paul George suspension

The 76ers have also been without Paul George, who received a 25-game suspension for violating NBA rules. At the time, the league announced, “forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA NBPA Anti-Drug Program.”

It was a significant blow for Philadelphia, especially as he had been finding rhythm during the season. The nine-time All Star, in his 16th season, was averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 27 games.

“Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. George’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game between the 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena,” the NBA stated in an official release on Saturday.

The news comes as a major blow to the 76ers just as George had found his rhythm following an early-season injury. The nine-time All-Star has been productive in his 16th season, averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists through 27 games.

George takes full responsibility

The former Indiana Pacers star provided a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, explaining that the violation stemmed from “improper medication” taken while seeking treatment for his mental health. George apologized to the organization, his teammates, and the fans, taking full responsibility for the error.

“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,” George said via Charania.

“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,” the report read.

When could George return?

This absence is particularly sensitive for the 76ers, as the trio of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey had finally reached full health and were beginning to gel on the court. The financial hit is also substantial; George is set to forfeit roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary.

George will not be eligible to return until March 25, when Philadelphia host the Chicago Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center. By the time he returns, only 10 games will remain in the regular season, meaning the 76ers’ postseason seeding could largely be decided by the time he steps back onto the hardwood.

Here’s a list of every game George will miss during his 25-game suspension:

On one side, 76ers star Joel Embiid is listed as available for Monday night’s matchup against the Pacers. Embiid, who has appeared in three straight games, continues to see his minutes and workload managed as the 76ers prioritize keeping him healthy for the postseason, a cautious approach given his injury history.

In addition to Embiid, the 76ers will be without Paul George, who is listed as out. The veteran guard is dealing with left knee injury management and is not suiting up tonight, which would represent another significant setback for Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid’s numbers

The former NBA MVP has appeared in 22 games this season and is averaging 24.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 25.3 percent from three-point range.

Embiid has looked much closer to his usual scoring form this month, averaging 26.3 points per game while shooting 53.2 percent from the field across eight contests, providing optimism for Philadelphia moving forward.

How the 76ers and Pacers arrive

In Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, Embiid led the 76ers with 33 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Tyrese Maxey added 22 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in the defeat.

On the other side, Indiana enters Monday’s contest with a 10-33 record after losing on the road to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. Jarace Walker paced the Pacers with 13 points and five rebounds, while Tony Bradley contributed 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.

Despite the Lakers playing remarkably well, there are factors to consider. While the Sixers started the regular season strongly, their performance has shifted, and they now strive to regain momentum to secure a playoff spot next year.

With a 16-6 record, the LeBron-led Lakers have sparked significant buzz throughout the league. James, however, has not fully showcased his abilities this season due to injuries early on and recent challenges with the Lakers, with Luka Doncic emerging as the standout player on the roster.

Meanwhile, the Sixers, led by Tyrese Maxey, with Joel Embiid and Paul George contributing, hold a 13-9 record, a notably better start compared to last season when they were far behind a good performance.

Is LeBron James playing tonight for the Lakers?

LeBron James is starting tonight for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite being initially listed as questionable due to a knee/sciatica injury he is currently managing, The King was ultimately cleared to play. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart is out for the game against the Sixers due to a back injury. Here’s the Lakers lineup: Doncic, Reaves, LeBron, Hachimura, Ayton.

Is Paul George playing tonight for the Sixers?

Paul George will suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. Also listed as questionable at first, he was ultimately cleared to play.

Is Joel Embiid playing tonight for the Sixers?

Joel Embiid’s status for tonight’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers was uncertain, as he was listed as questionable too. However, just like LeBron and George, Embiid will show up tonight. Sixers’ lineup: Maxey, Edgecombe, George, Barlow, Embiid.

Embiid has been upgraded to questionable, but with injuries to both knees, he might still miss his second straight game. Meanwhile, Paul George has joined him on the injury report and is officially ruled out with a left knee issue, according to Underdog NBA. The veteran forward played in the 76ers’ win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, logging 18 minutes with 11 points, five rebounds, one steal and shooting 4-for-10 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.

On the other side, Golden State has a sizable injury report going into its visit to Philadelphia on Thursday, Dec. 4. One of them, Jimmy Butler, is officially out for today’s match, according to Anthony Slater.

It will be a tough matchup for both franchises if multiple stars sit out. The 76ers still have Tyrese Maxey, who continues carrying the team and can take over games, but to beat the Warriors, he will need help. Golden State also has injury concerns, but the Warriors still delivered a strong performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder even without their top talent.

Butler’s numbers and his importance

Butler has appeared in 20 games for the Warriors this season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 43.9% from three. With Stephen Curry currently out, Golden State will rely heavily on Butler if they want to knock off the 76ers and bounce back. Steve Kerr’s squad enters the night with an 11-11 record.

The Warriors’ surprising rotation choices

Even without Butler in the second half, the Warriors did not use Jonathan Kuminga in the fourth quarter against the Thunder. Moses Moody played only one minute in the final frame. Pat Spencer, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and Buddy Hield earned extra minutes thanks to a dominant 44-point third quarter. Brandin Podziemski also played a key role, as Kerr leaned on a guard-heavy lineup that nearly snapped OKC’s win streak.

How the 76ers arrive

The 76ers enter this matchup coming off a blowout 121-102 victory over the Washington Wizards. Maxey exploded for 35 points, while Dominick Barlow and Andre Drummond each added 12 to help secure Philadelphia’s 11th win of the NBA season.

On the 76ers’ side, the latest injury update confirmed that Joel Embiid (injury management) is officially ruled out for Thursday. Given his recent stretch of injuries, it is no surprise that Philadelphia choose to take the cautious route, as the organization is unlikely to risk pushing him back too soon.

Paul George, meanwhile, has been listed as questionable. He previously sat out with left knee injury recovery—essentially load management—and made his season debut against the LA Clippers on November 17. The 76ers are maintaining a cautious approach as he ramps back up.

As for the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a low-grade left groin strain and is expected to miss one to two weeks. It is a tough blow for Milwaukee, especially considering they have relied heavily on Giannis as a one-man engine carrying the group.

How do the teams arrive?

The Bucks head into this matchup on the back of two consecutive losses. In their most recent outing, they fell 118–106 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a defeat that dropped their record to 8–7.

Giannis Antetokounmpo exited late in the second quarter with a groin injury, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four turnovers in just 13 minutes.

The Philadelphia 76ers, on the other hand, are coming off a 121–112 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Tyrese Maxey led the team with 24 points, while V.J. Edgecombe added 21. But a balanced Raptors attack kept Philadelphia in check, dropping the Sixers to an 8–6 record. Both teams enter tonight’s game looking to bounce back and reverse their recent form.

A key player yet to make his season debut is Paul George. Despite an early injury, reports suggest he could be the crucial asset the roster needs. The medical team has indicated that he is nearing readiness for game-time action.

“76ers’ Paul George is in the final stage of his debut process and will be re-evaluated later this week,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania, shedding light on George’s status and anticipated return to play.

With the potential return of George to the 76ers lineup, expectations soar regarding Philadelphia’s performance in upcoming challenges, as they already exhibit exceptional athletic prowess.

Current standout players on the Sixers

One of the significant surprises in the NBA regular season to date has been VJ Edgecombe. Although he may not lead rookie statistics, he’s consistently delivered with an average of 15.4 points per game across 11 starts.

As for Tyrese Maxey, he stands as the leading player on the roster, with league-topping averages of 40.5 minutes played and 22.6 field goal attempts per game, contributing an impressive 32.1 points per game.

Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Quentin Grimes also feature with substantial contributions this season. Additionally, Andre Drummond and Justin Edwards have been pivotal to the Sixers’ strong start in the regular season.

Instead, a mix of injuries and inconsistent performances derailed the season. George, in particular, faced heavy criticism as his play fell short of what was expected. Still, the former Clippers star delivered an encouraging message as the team looks ahead to the new campaign.

“I’m the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed. I do think I still got a lot of game in me, playing at a high level. That’s still who I am,” George said during Philadelphia’s media day. “I gotta get healthy to get to that point”.

This will be the nine-time All-Star’s second season with the Sixers, but his first year in Philadelphia was far from his best. In 41 games, he averaged just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists—well below expectations for a player of his caliber—before being shut down in March with groin and knee injuries.

The Sixers’ “Big Three” of Embiid, Maxey, and George played only 15 games together in the regular season, finishing with a disappointing 7–8 record in those outings. The lack of continuity made it difficult to develop the chemistry needed to contend.

George reflects on last season

Last season was a harsh reality check for the 76ers, who entered the year with lofty expectations that ultimately went unfulfilled. Paul George himself admitted it was one of the most difficult campaigns of his career, both on and off the court, describing it as a “rock bottom” moment but one the team is determined to move past.

“Last year was tough — one of the toughest seasons I’ve been a part of, not just from a team standpoint, but just from a personal standpoint,” George said. “From a motivational standpoint, it can’t get no worse than last year, right? That was a rock bottom kind of season. I think it was a disappointment, personally, for myself, and obviously, for the fans here. But I think there’s a lot to look forward to. We’ve been leaning on one another”.

George emphasized that the Sixers remain motivated despite the setbacks. “The motivation is there. We’re just hanging on one another, man. We are excited about what’s to come. But we’re definitely taking it one day at a time, just stacking good days,” he added.

Paul George has faced Luka Doncic numerous times in the West, and he is convinced the Dallas star is on track for all-time greatness. Speaking on a recent episode of Podcast P, George praised Doncic’s maturity and dominance, saying he has a real chance to surpass some of the most legendary international players in NBA history.

“We’re talking about being the biggest international player now,” George said on Podcast P. “That’s surpassing GOATs, you know what I mean? That’s surpassing Dirk, that’s surpassing Tony Parker, that’s surpassing Hakeem. He’s got a chance to be the biggest international guy. Surpassing Giannis, in a way. He’s got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it. His game is just way older than what he is. He’s tough, man. He’s a problem. Big fan of Luka. And he talks that sh*t too. He’s a child killer.”

At just 26 years old, Luka Doncic has already left a major mark on the NBA. Since being drafted in 2018, he has been selected to five All-Star Games and five All-NBA Teams. He also won the league’s scoring title in 2024 and was named Rookie of the Year in 2019.

The case for Doncic’s greatness

Across seven NBA seasons, Doncic is averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. His ability to both score and create plays for his teammates is what makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Born in Slovenia, Doncic has already earned a spot among the great international stars in league history, but he still has work to do to match the most iconic names. Hakeem Olajuwon currently holds the strongest case with a resume that includes two championships, an MVP, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Dirk Nowitzki also stands as one of the benchmarks. While his game was different from Luka’s, his NBA championship, MVP award, and 14 All-Star selections make him hard to surpass. Steve Nash deserves mention too, as a two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star who revolutionized the point guard position.

Measuring up to today’s stars

Even compared to today’s international elite, Luka still has catching up to do. Nikola Jokic boasts three MVP awards and an NBA title, while Giannis Antetokounmpo has two MVPs and a championship of his own.

Without a single MVP or championship so far, Doncic’s resume remains behind those of his peers. As good as his game is, his legacy will ultimately be defined by what he accomplishes in the playoffs, not just in the regular season.

“We’re talking about being the biggest international player now. That’s surpassing GOATs, you know what I mean? That’s surpassing Dirk, that’s surpassing Tony Parker, that’s surpassing Hakeem. He’s got a chance to be the biggest international guy. Surpassing Giannis, in a way. He’s got a chance to be one of the best to ever do it. His game is just way older than what he is. He’s tough, man… Big fan of Luka. And he talk that shit too,” Paul George said, via Podcast P.

While Luka Doncic stands out as one of the league’s most impressive players, his legacy does not yet rival Dirk Nowitzki‘s, who boasts a championship, regular-season MVP, and Finals MVP. Similarly, Tony Parker’s four championships and consistent excellence earned him a Hall of Fame spot. Doncic’s talent is undeniable, yet comparisons to these legends might be premature.

Despite being younger than Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic has emerged as a formidable contender to the Greek star’s NBA dominance. Though he hasn’t clinched a championship yet, it’s likely only a matter of time before he secures his place among the era’s most influential international players. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic stands unparalleled, having cemented his status as a generational talent and leader not just among international players, but across the entire league.

Luka Doncic enters a make-or-break season for his legacy with the Lakers

Although the Los Angeles Lakers did not enjoy their best season, Slovenian star Luka Doncic emerged as a standout performer. In just 28 games, he delivered impressive averages of 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Recognizing the need for strategic improvements, General Manager Rob Pelinka acted decisively to bolster the roster. These moves could very well make the upcoming season transformative for Doncic and his burgeoning legacy.

With the arrivals of Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers have addressed the two most pressing needs on JJ Redick’s roster. This, coupled with Luka Doncic’s improved fitness, means that the Slovenian is now in one of his best positions to achieve his long-awaited championship. In addition, LeBron James’ continuity on the roster gives the team even more strength to achieve its long-awaited goal, which could begin to define Luka’s legacy and crown LeBron’s.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, both George and Embiid face uncertain futures. “Only updates are that George is out for the start of training camp and may not play in the preseason. Too early to tell there,” Siegel reported.

“As for Embiid, there is genuine concern about his knee health. Of course, word from Philly gets downplayed, but around the league, word is bad,” Siegel added. Even more concerning is the fact that the duo combined for just 104 games played last season and are set to earn a combined $109 million in the 2025-26 campaign.

Despite the uncertainty, the 76ers enter the 2025-26 season with high-end potential—at least on paper. Tyrese Maxey, the 25-year-old All-NBA guard, returns alongside veteran Paul George, and they’ll be joined by an intriguing group of newcomers, including No. 3 overall pick V.J. Edgecombe and second-round selection Johni Broome.

The 2024-25 season ended on a sobering note for the Sixers, who finished with a 24-58 record and landed in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. That disappointing result triggered sweeping changes in the front office, though the team’s core vision remains intact. Head coach Nick Nurse now leads a roster still centered on Embiid, whose chronic issues with his knees, back, and sinuses have taken a visible toll on the former MVP.

In a recent feature, both Embiid and team insiders acknowledged the growing physical strain, fueling speculation that—with the center turning 31 and still owed $193 million—this could mark the beginning of the end for Philadelphia’s franchise cornerstone.

The projected starting five will shoulder heavy responsibilities, but behind them lies an untested core featuring Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, Adem Bona, and others. These players are expected to navigate a gauntlet of injury management, rotation volatility, and playoff pressure.

Still, there is cautious optimism that this group represents a long-term project worth investing in for the upcoming NBA seasons. The future may be uncertain, but it’s not without promise.