Report: Paul George not expected to play for Sixers on Opening Night

The Sixers’ season opener in Boston is just days away and as expected, it doesn’t look like Paul George will be suiting up.

According to Shams Charania, George is not expected to be available for the Sixers on opening night, though he has made “significant progress” since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee back in July.

he report notes that George could return “shortly into the regular season,” which at least suggests the absence won’t be a long one.

Paul George to miss start of the season

Reporting for NBA Today on 76ers forward Paul George's status to begin the 2025-26 season: pic.twitter.com/qcWGz4OR1D

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 16, 2025

Nobody in the national media knows where to rank Sixers players heading into the 2025 season >>

Paul George only 41 games in his first season in Philly, missing extended time with multiple injuries to that same knee, plus finger and groin issues. It was a frustrating start to a four-year, $212 million deal that was supposed to help push the Sixers over the hump.

Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters Thursday that George participated fully in practice for the first time since camp began, including some five-on-five action.

That’s a big step in his recovery, but Nurse didn’t sound convinced that his star forward was ready for live competition just yet.

At this point, it’s safe to say opening night isn’t the goal. The Sixers want George healthy for the long run, not just for one game in Boston. If his ramp-up continues smoothly, his debut should come “shortly into the regular season” and that’ll be the real start of the Sixers’ season.

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