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76ers' Paul George Out 2 Games with Knee Injury; MRI Reveals No Structural Damage

Zach BacharContributor INovember 21, 2024

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic during the Emirates NBA Cup game on  November 15, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George will miss the team's next two games due to a bone bruise in his left knee before he'll be re-evaluated on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George has a bone bruise in his left knee and is listed out for the next two games. He will be re-evaluated on Monday. <a href="https://t.co/vxKeON5z78">pic.twitter.com/vxKeON5z78</a>

The 76ers also revealed that George underwent an MRI on his left knee that revealed no structural damage (h/t Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports).

The 34-year-old exited in the third quarter of Philadelphia's 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night after hyperextending his knee.

It's concerning that George suffered the injury to the same leg that caused him to miss the first five games of the regular season due to a previous hyperextension, but it's still a relatively encouraging sign for his long-term outlook that there wasn't any structural damage.

The nine-time All-Star has dealt with inconsistency to open his first year in Philadelphia, averaging just 14.9 points and 5.4 rebounds to go along with 4.8 assists per game. He's also shooting a mere 38.3 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from behind the arc.

It's been a disappointing start for George, especially after signing a four-year contract worth $212 million to join the organization in July.

The 76ers currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 2-12, as injuries have defined the early portion of their 2024-25 campaign. George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have all missed at least six contests due to their respective injuries and the team hasn't been able to rally in their absence.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Philly falls to 2-12 after losing to Memphis without Ja πŸ˜¬πŸ‘€<br><br>PG left with a knee injury and Maxey was on a minutes restriction<br><br>This was the first game their big three played together... <a href="https://t.co/jpqpV4aOYa">pic.twitter.com/jpqpV4aOYa</a>

Philadelphia has struggled to score with the star trio's lack of availability, owning the worst offensive rating in the association (via NBA.com).

George has now been ruled out of the 76ers' matchups with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, meaning that his earliest chance to return will come against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.