Paul George out next two games as Sixers still taking things day-to-day

The Sixers are still hoping their injured stars can return soon for a Play-In push.

It’s Groundhog Day, again.

The Sixers returned to practice Saturday and with that came more updates on their two injured stars they are still hoping can come back and lead this team back to the playoffs. They announced that Paul George will miss his third out of the last four game against the Utah Jazz with groin soreness.

Tyrese Maxey, who’s missed the last two games with a back contusion, is expected to be listed as questionable. Andre Drummond was also unable to practice due to an illness.

Nick Nurse briefly expanded on this when he addressed reporters, saying that George will miss Monday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks as well. Nurse doesn’t believe Maxey’s back is “too bad,” but also noted that his hand sprain hasn’t necessarily gotten any better.

Why George is still trying to fight through this, an injury that’s lingered since January, as a 21-41 team continues to spiral down the lottery standings, is baffling. This was an injury he was reportedly getting pain injections to play through around the All-Star break, something guys do not typically do until the playoffs, and it clearly hasn’t gone away.

It doesn’t sound like Maxey will have an easier time using his right hand either if he does return soon.

Nurse says they are expecting results on a further evaluation on George in the hours following practice, though the team clarified that necessarily doesn’t mean an update is in the works.

Despite most of the fanbase having pivoted to daily Tankathon simulations, the Sixers don’t intend on letting anyone off this ride any time soon.