The Philadelphia 76ers played without Paul George for 25 games due to a drug suspension. His strong comeback on Wednesday night suggests that this absence might have been beneficial.
George scored 28 points in 26 minutes during the Sixers’ 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls. He also contributed four steals, six rebounds, and four assists, showing impressive form after an eight-week break. This performance offers a boost to the team’s playoff hopes.
76ers Welcome Back Key Players Against Bulls
George returned from suspension, while center Joel Embiid came back after missing 13 games with an oblique strain. Embiid scored 35 points and grabbed seven rebounds in just 28 minutes, hitting all three of his three-point attempts.
When the Sixers signed George to a significant four-year contract in 2024, they believed they had a strong championship contender with him, Embiid, and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. However, injuries limited Embiid to 19 games and George to 41 games, leading to a disappointing 24-58 record.
In an effort to manage injuries, the Sixers rested the frequently hurt Embiid and the 35-year-old George during back-to-back games. Despite these efforts, both players struggled to remain fully fit. This season, they have only played a combined total of 62 games, but they appear to be recovering effectively just ahead of the playoffs.
Potential Playoff Threats
The game on Wednesday showcased the Sixers’ vision of fielding a star-studded lineup, with the help of No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe contributing 22 points and four three-pointers from their tough 2024-25 season. Embiid has performed excellently when available, averaging 26.9 points, though he has faced ongoing injury challenges.
George, at 35, is in a similar situation. His body has struggled throughout the long season, but his unanticipated two-month break might have rejuvenated him. Now both players seem ready and healthy, at least for the time being, with three weeks until the playoffs start.
If the 76ers can move past the Atlanta Hawks into sixth place, they will secure five days of rest between the regular season and playoffs, which could be vital in a competitive Eastern Conference.
The 76ers may not be optimized for the regular season, but they only need to maintain their health for a few weeks to make a significant impact in the playoffs.