Why is Paul George not playing tonight against Milwaukee Bucks? Latest injury update for 76ers marquee trade signing (Oct. 23) 

Paul George will not play in the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Philadelphia's marquee addition this summer suffered a preseason knee injury on Oct. 14. George hasn't played since. It didn't turn out to be a major issue, as some feared initially, so it won't be long until the All-Star forward makes his 76ers debut.

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What happened to Paul George?

Paul George sustained the injury against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter. As he tried to set off in a transition scoring opportunity, his left knee locked up as he put his first step ahead. George hyperextended it and immediately went down. The MRI on Oct. 17 revealed it was a bone bruise. George's evaluation is scheduled for later in the week.

He broke down the incident on his podcast on Monday, saying:

"My leg literally just got stuck. I don’t even know what else to call it. Just my knee locked up, my leg locked up. When I went to go push off, all my momentum is going forward and my leg, it just caused it to go inwards. I know I’m thinking of when I seen it immediately I was like, ah, this don’t feel right, this don’t feel right.

"I’m going to be good. I’m going to be good. I should be back hopefully sooner than later, but it won’t be a long timetable I would imagine."

He's already making progress after appearing at practice on Tuesday and making some strides as he ramped up from the injury.

George is likely missing the entire first week. He could be back by Oct. 30 against the Pistons if he recovers.

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Sixers to take precaution with Paul George and Joel Embiid

The Sixers seem okay with load-managing their stars, especially Paul George and Joel Embiid. Both will miss the opening week. While George is out dealing with an injury, Embiid is already load managing. Philadelphia's end goal this year is to get to the postseason healthy.

That hasn't been the case in the past few years, especially in the Embiid-era. It's one of the key factors in their conference finals drought. The 76ers have faith in their stars to be in top shape come playoff time if healthy. It also could be their best chance with this core, as the Sixers have used their cap flexibility well to surround their three stars with an adequate supporting cast.