Sixers standout Paul George cleared to play against Cleveland Cavaliers
The forward, who has been sidelined for 10 games total due to injuries and rest, was listed as questionable with left knee impingement ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated matchup.
CLEVELAND — Paul George’s status for Saturday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers is no longer in question.
The 76ers forward was cleared to play after being listed questionable with left knee impingement for the much-anticipated matchup at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Sixers announced after Friday’s 108-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets that Joel Embiid would not face the first-place Cavs (24-4) due to rest.
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At that time, coach Nick Nurse said, “Paul [was] in at this point.” And based on George’s post-game comments, it appeared that he would play in back-to-back games for the first time this season.
“I want to try to continue to keep fighting,” George said after finishing with five points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. “My body is allowing me to, so just want to continue to keep [the] momentum going with this unit. We’ve been playing well, and I feel good. I feel good so I’m going to continue to lace it up.”
However, he was listed on Saturday afternoon’s injury report. Like Embiid, the Sixers (9-16) had planned to rest him from time to time. The 6-foot-8, 220-pounder had been sidelined twice with left knee bone bruises caused by hyperextensions.
He initially missed three weeks after hyperextending that knee and suffered a bone bruise during an Oct. 14 preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. George’s second bone bruise caused by an hyperextension came on Nov. 20 against the Memphis Grizzlies. That caused him to miss three games.
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The nine-time All-Star has been sidelined 10 games total due to injuries and rest.
The Sixers have won six of the last eight games after starting 3-14.
George is averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals.
Forward Caleb Martin is set to return after missing the past three games with right should impingement.