Paul George’s hyperextended knee is “fine,” Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Tuesday, noting the team was waiting for further imaging.
Later Tuesday, the 76ers announced that an MRI revealed a bone bruise and no structural damage. He will be re-evaluated in about a week, leaving his availability for the season opener in Philadelphia in doubt. The 76ers open their season at home against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 23.
The 76ers provided the updates a day after George hyperextended his knee in a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. George’s knee bent awkwardly when he planted his foot in the first half, and he did not return to play in the second half.
The initial post-match diagnosis was hyperextension, a vague description that could encompass a wide range of injury outcomes. After the game, George told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he’s “not too concerned” about the injury.
“I’m not too worried about what this injury is,” George said. “It will only be a short time.”
On Tuesday, Nurse told reporters that George’s knee is “OK,” according to preliminary evaluation prior to George’s MRI.
“PG was here today,” the nurse said. ‘I looked at it again. Everything has been found to be in order. This afternoon they are going to do some further investigation to see if there is anything else.’
The nurse added that George was in good spirits.
George, a nine-time All-Star, arrived in Philadelphia via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in the most important transaction of the NBA offseason. He signed a four-year, maximum $212 million contract with the 76ers as part of the deal.
The 76ers acquired George to play alongside fellow All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in an effort to compete for an NBA championship. The 76ers made the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons, but never advanced past the second round in any of those years.
With Embiid injured (knee) for most of the second half of last season, the 76ers fell to the No. 7 seed. He returned in time for the playoffs, where Philadelphia lost to the No. 2 seed New York Knicks in six games in the first round.
Embiid will not participate in preseason games. The team offered a vague update on his health condition on Sunday.
“As part of his left knee treatment, Joel Embiid was evaluated by physicians on Thursday,” a team statement said. “Embiid is making good progress and will continue to participate in an individualized treatment plan designed to best support his health and wellbeing for the 2024-2025 season.
“He will not play in this week’s preseason games. Further updates will be provided as necessary.”
