Is Paul George playing tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers? Latest injury update from LA Clippers (Oct. 25)

The LA Clippers will face the Portland Trail Blazers in their season opener on October 25. At the time of writing, All-Star wing Paul George is not on the injury report and is expected to participate in the contest. George, 33, is entering his 14th NBA season and will have his sights set on winning his first NBA championship.

Last season, George played in 56 regular-season games, earning himself his eighth All-Star appearance. The veteran wing averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He shot 45.7% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range.

In recent years, the veteran wing has struggled to remain healthy. In four seasons, George has played in 189 regular-season games, and missed 139 contests during that span. However, with the Clippers roster projecting to be healthy, he will have a significant role to play this year

The Clippers have three future Hall of Famers on their roster, Along with George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook are the other two.

The LA Clippers also have solid depth. They're potential championship candidates. George's ability as a lock-down defender who can switch multiple positions and a high-level offensive threat will be integral to his team's chances of success.

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Ty Lue is expecting Paul George and the LA Clippers to be an elite defensive team

Paul George is considered to be one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. The veteran wing has a reputation for locking down the opponent's best player and has a proven track record of being a consistent problem on the defensive end. Kawhi Leonard is also exceptionally talented on the defensive end.

As such, LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue is setting a high bar for his team's defense this year. He detailed his thoughts during a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio.

"Defensively," Lue said via Sirius XM NBA Radio. "We have too much versatility defensively. We have too many guys that can defend well. Our mindset [is] we have to be a top-5 defensive team this year, no excuses. It starts with our physicality."

Lue continued:

"It starts with every time a guy touches the ball, we should be up touching. Not letting guys be comfortable. Rebounding the basketball, finish the possession. If we do that, we'll be a tough team to beat."

If healthy, Geroge will have an enormous role to play in the Clippers' search for an elite defense. It all begins on October 25 against the Trail Blazers.