Paul George Suspended 25 Games Shocks 76ers

The NBA has suspended Paul George for 25 games after finding a violation of the league’s anti-drug program. George said he “mistakenly took an ‘improper medication.’” The ban starts Saturday against New Orleans and runs through March 23, with George eligible to return March 25. It is his longest absence since the 2021-22 UCL injury and comes while he averages 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals this season for a 26-21 Sixers team. Merlin sees Philadelphia forced to lean harder on Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and rookie VJ Edgecombe to cover scoring and wing defense. The trade market already felt quiet, so adjustments will be internal: lineup changes, more minutes for role players, and strategic coaching tweaks. George’s absence will test the Sixers’ depth and could cost them seeding, but the core still looks playoff ready.