Is Paul George playing tonight against LA Lakers? Exploring 76ers star’s status as team's injury woes pile up (Nov. 8)

The Philadelphia 76ers recently saw their new acquisition, swingman Paul George, make his debut this week. After a homecoming game against the LA Clippers that ended in a loss, the 76ers stay in California to take on the Lakers on Friday with tip-off set for 10 p.m. ET.

Paul George is expected to be available for the 76ers in this matchup, although he will still be on a minutes restriction. Coach Nick Nurse said the nine-time All-Star would remain "limited" as he’s yet to return to full health. Barring any last-minute decision to hold him out, he’ll be Philadelphia’s sole star on the floor, with Joel Embiid out serving a suspension and Tyrese Maxey sidelined for two weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The 76ers currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 1-6 record, one of only two teams, alongside the Utah Jazz, with just one win so far this season.

In the two games George has played with the 76ers, he’s averaged 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game, shooting 47.8% from the field and 30.0% from beyond the arc.

Paul George greeted with boos in Intuit Dome debut

Over the offseason, the LA Clippers lost Paul George for nothing, as he declined their three-year, $150 million offer in favor of a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers. This was a major setback for the Clippers, who had invested significant assets in acquiring him from the OKC Thunder.

Wednesday marked George’s first game against the Clippers since his departure, where he recorded season highs with 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals, shooting 7-for-9 from the field.

Though he received a video tribute, the home crowd met him with boos, leaving George puzzled.

“It’s stupid. I mean, I was a free agent. It wasn’t something that I demanded a trade or went against the team here. Like, I was a free agent,” George said (per Yahoo! Sports).

“The team presented something that was team-friendly, and I did what was best for me in that situation. So, there were some cheers. I appreciate them. Those were the ones that I played hard for. The boos, I didn’t get it. I still don’t get it ... But it is what it is. It’s sports. That’s what’s in sports. Yeah, I look forward to next year being here and more boos.”

The 76ers and Clippers will face off again in Philadelphia on Nov. 24.