NBA: 76ers’ Paul George sidelined 2 games with knee injury

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) runs up the court against the Orlando Magic during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday.

The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night’s loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the NBA All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together.

George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday.

READ: NBA: Paul George injured in 76ers’ loss to Grizzlies

Wednesday’s 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night’s games.

George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season.

Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven’t won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10.