Philadelphia 76ers has suffered a massive blow as their star forward Paul George is officially sidelined for at least six weeks after receiving injections in his left adductor muscle and left knee. With just four weeks remaining in the regular season, his campaign is effectively over.
The 34-year-old star, who signed a four-year, $212 million max deal with the 76ers last summer, was expected to be a game-changer for a franchise that had struggled in recent years. But injuries have plagued him throughout the season.
Reports suggest George played through significant pain, even relying on painkillers for five consecutive games leading up to the All-Star break in February.
Paul George Has an Injury-Stricken 2024-25 Season
George’s injury troubles began before the season even started. He hyperextended his left knee during the preseason, forcing him to sit out the first five games of the regular season. Then, in November, he suffered the same injury, missing another three games. In January, he sustained a left pinkie injury, and most recently, he has been dealing with left groin soreness that kept him out of Philadelphia’s team since March 4.
This season marks the fifth time in six years that George has played fewer than 60 games. With his latest setback, he ends the season having played his fewest 41 games since the 2021-22 campaign. In late February, he even announced he was stepping away from his podcast, Podcast P with Paul George, to focus on his health and helping the 76ers get back on track.
Paul George’s Major Injuries Throughout His Career
Paul George’s injury struggles date back to his early days in the NBA. Some have been minor setbacks, but others have cost him significant time on the court. Here’s a breakdown of some of his most notable injuries:
- 2014-15 – Missed 76 games due to a compound leg fracture.
- 2016-17 – Missed 11 games due to a fractured left hand.
- 2017-18 – Missed 34 games due to a knee injury.
- 2018-19 – Missed 3 games due to a right shoulder injury.
- 2019-20 – Missed 11 games after shoulder surgery on both shoulders.
- 2020-21 – Missed 9 games due to bone edema in his toe.
- 2021-22 – Missed 43 games due to a torn UCL in his right elbow.
- 2022-23 – Missed 7 games due to a sprained right knee.
- 2024-25 – Missed 27 games due to groin and knee injuries.
Despite his injury history, Paul George remains one of the most accomplished players in the NBA. Known as “PG-13,” he has consistently been among the league’s elite on both ends of the court.
George is a nine-time NBA All-Star, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level year after year. His skill and versatility have also earned him six All-NBA Team selections, proving his impact as one of the league’s top forwards. Additionally, his defensive abilities have been recognized with four NBA All-Defensive Team honors, highlighting his reputation as a two-way star.
Over the course of his career, George has played 908 regular-season games, averaging 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His consistent production and ability to adapt have kept him at the top of the game, despite the setbacks he has faced.
Paul George Injury History Throughout His Career
As exceptional as George might be on the court, his career unfortunately has been marred with injuries. According to Fox Sports data, the veteran NBA player has grappled with injuries since the begining of his career.
- March 4, 2025 – Groin
- March 2, 2025 – Groin
- January 28, 2025 – Illness
- January 17, 2025 – Groin
- January 14, 2025 – Ankle
- January 7, 2025 – Groin
- December 4, 2024 – Undisclosed
- November 20, 2024 – Knee
- November 13, 2024 – Knee
- November 5, 2024 – Knee
- October 15, 2024 – Knee
- April 14, 2024 – Rest
- April 10, 2024 – Knee
- March 10, 2024 – Knee
- March 8, 2024 – Knee
- February 25, 2024 – Knee
- January 31, 2024 – Groin
- December 19, 2023 – Illness
- December 12, 2023 – Groin
- March 21, 2023 – Leg
- January 29, 2023 – Knee
- January 18, 2023 – Rest
- January 6, 2023 – Hamstring
- January 4, 2023 – Hamstring
- December 15, 2022 – Knee
- November 21, 2022 – Knee
- November 16, 2022 – Hand
- October 24, 2022 – Non-COVID illness
- December 25, 2021 – Elbow
- December 8, 2021 – Elbow
- December 1, 2021 – Rest
- April 21, 2021 – Rest
- April 14, 2021 – Rest
- April 9, 2021 – Rest
- March 29, 2021 – Foot
- March 4, 2021 – Dizziness
- February 5, 2021 – Foot
- January 25, 2021 – Health and safety protocols
- January 5, 2021 – Ankle
- August 9, 2020 – Rest
- February 13, 2020 – Hamstring
- January 9, 2020 – Hamstring
- January 2, 2020 – Hamstring
- May 7, 2019 – Right shoulder
- April 10, 2019 – Shoulder
- March 28, 2019 – Left shoulder soreness
- February 28, 2019 – Shoulder
- December 27, 2018 – Right quad contusion
- May 10, 2018 – Knee
- April 17, 2018 – Right hip contusion
- March 14, 2018 – Sore groin
- December 29, 2017 – Sore left knee
- December 7, 2017 – Calf contusion
- November 27, 2017 – Illness
At 34, George remains one of the league’s best two-way players when healthy. However, with his history of injuries and the latest setback, questions arise about his long-term durability. For now, 76ers fans will have to wait and see if he can recover in time for the postseason.
The team is struggling with a 23-45 record, standing at the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference. They will surely want George to recover and return, as they need their star player in full health to bounce back.