Like clockwork, just when things look up for the 76ers, something unexpected knocks them back down.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the NBA announced on Saturday that Sixers forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games due to a violation of the league's anti-drug policy.
Just 35 games remain in the 2025-26 regular season; therefore, George's suspension is a massive blow to the 26-21 Sixers, who only recently became able to use their full-strength starting lineup of George, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre, Jr.
In a statement released to ESPN, George revealed that the positive test was a result of an "improper" mental health medication.
"Over the past few years, I've discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication," George said in the statement.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."
In 27 games this season, the 35-year-old George has averaged 30.5 minutes, 16 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The high-powered offensive trio of George, Maxey and Embiid has been instrumental to the Sixers' success.
George is ineligble to return until March 25 against the Chicago Bulls. If healthy, he will be able to play in the Sixers' final 10 regular season games, and in their potential playoff run.
But the Sixers, who currently hold the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, will have to make the playoffs first. Without George on the court for the majority of the playoff push, that task has become exponentially harder.
Stay tuned to OnPattison for ongoing coverage and analysis of George's suspension.
