Paul George Set to Face Former Team as 76ers Take on Clippers

Paul George is set to face his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, for the first time since joining the Philadelphia 76ers. This highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome, marking George’s return to Los Angeles after spending five seasons with the Clippers.

George’s return comes after a period of recovery from a knee injury. During the preseason, he hyperextended his knee in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, resulting in a bone bruise that kept him out for the remainder of the preseason and the first five games of the regular season. However, he has been cleared to play and made his Sixers debut against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, where he played over 30 minutes despite being on a minutes restriction.

In his debut, George struggled with his shooting, making just 28 percent of his shots from the field and hitting only one of his seven three-point attempts. He finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Despite the rusty performance, George is expected to continue getting back on track as he faces his former team.

Clippers coach Ty Lue has made a light-hearted request to the fans regarding how to treat George during the game. Lue suggested that fans should “boo him tonight and love him afterwards,” reflecting the mixed emotions that often come with a player returning to their former team.

George’s departure from the Clippers was a significant move, with the team opting not to offer him a four-year max deal or a no-trade clause, which were key factors in his decision to join the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million contract. The Clippers have since adjusted their roster, adding players like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and Kevin Porter Jr., in an effort to maintain a competitive team without George.