Sixers Get Spark From George, Monitor Embiid, Maxey and Oubre
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Forward Paul George turned in his most productive outing of the season on Sunday, pouring in 35 points during the 76ers’ 123-116 loss to the Hawks in Atlanta. The 34-year-old veteran, who missed Philadelphia’s first 12 games with a left knee issue, knocked down 7 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc and said he is “getting more and more comfortable” in head coach Nick Nurse’s system.
George appeared in only 41 games last year and faced scrutiny after signing a four-year, $211.6 million contract in July 2024. He acknowledged that 2024-25 “was a lot going on” but added he now feels healthier and closer to full strength, though “not all the way 100 percent.”
Embiid Needs Less Recovery Time
Joel Embiid suited up in both of Philadelphia’s weekend games, a step forward for a center who earlier in the schedule required at least two full days between outings to manage knee pain. The reigning MVP finished Sunday’s contest with 22 points, a season-high 14 rebounds and two blocks, saying afterward that he felt “a little tired” but generally “good.”
Maxey Sidelined by Illness
Guard Tyrese Maxey missed his second straight game Sunday because of an illness. Nurse said the league’s No. 3 scorer at 31.5 points per game is expected to rejoin the team in time for Friday’s matchup at Madison Square Garden. “I talked to him last night, and he said he’d see me at practice Tuesday,” the coach noted.
Oubre Making Progress
Kelly Oubre Jr. underwent a reevaluation last week for the left knee ligament sprain that has kept him out since Nov. 14. The wing completed his first individualized on-court workout before Sunday’s game, but the medical staff has not cleared him for full practice. “It looks like there’s some progress there,” Nurse said, adding he hopes to have Oubre back “ASAP.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
