Why is Paul George not playing against OKC Thunder? 76ers star's scratch ahead of game explored

The Philadelphia 76ers could not catch a break as its star forward, Paul George, was added to the injury list. According to the latest update, George is out due to an ankle injury.

The Sixers hosted the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Sixers are also without star center Joel Embiid for the fifth straight game. Embiid is sidelined due to a left foot sprain. Tyrese Maxey was also listed as out.

In place of the injured stars, the Sixers started Reggie Jackson, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Council IV, and Guerschon Yabusele.

George, a 15-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 26 of the 38 Sixers games this season. The 34-year-old has not yet found a rhythm in his first season with Philadelphia. He is currently averaging 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 42.1% shooting (35.4% on 3-pointers).

OKC (32-6) looked to end their four-game road trip on a high note, while the Sixers aimed to get out of a slump, having lost five of their last seven games. Philadelphia (15-22) sits outside of the playoff contention in the Eastern Conference at 11th.

Paul George said he is bored playing center

In the midst of injuries and inconsistent plays, coach Nick Nurse used nine-time All-Star Paul George as the center a few times. In their most recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, George shared his thoughts when asked about playing the five.

"I'm used to scrapping and running around and chasing and fighting through screens," George said. "To be honest, I'm bored playing on a five. It just don't do enough for me."

With injuries to star center Joel Embiid and others, Nurse had no choice but to slot the 6-foot-8 forward at center. In Tuesday's game against the OKC Thunder, the Sixers were again undersized as they started 6-foot-8 Guerschon Yabusele at center.

Philly is on the front end of a back-to-back and will play again on Wednesday against the visiting New York Knicks. It remains to be seen if their injury list will improve.