As the Philadelphia 76ers continue to integrate Paul George into the lineup, Nick Nurse has some tough decisions to make. George missed the first 11 games of the season after he hurt his knee during an offseason workout.
Since returning, George has been on a strict minutes restriction since returning, as they don’t want him to hurt his knee again. George hasn’t played in back-to-backs, either. Nick Nurse has been in charge of bringing him back while also not messing up the chemistry the rest of the team has built.
Against the Heat, George did not play in the fourth quarter in what ended up being a 10-point loss. Nurse was asked about how he divided up playing time for George in this game.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 23: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
76ers Chose Not to Play Paul George Late Against the Heat
After the game, Nurse gave a pretty simple reason for not playing George in the fourth quarter. He said that George only had eight minutes left on his restriction going into the second half. Nurse also wanted to match George’s minutes with Jaime Jaquez Jr.
With that being the case, George used all of his minutes in the third quarter, meaning the Sixers had to play the fourth quarter without him. George did not start the second half, as Dominick Barlow started for him instead, as they tried to manage George’s minutes.
With rookie V.J. Edgecomb dealing with an injury, George is going to have to step up into a larger role in the next few games. It is still unclear how long Edgecombe will be out with the knee injury that he recently suffered.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a three-pointer by Andre Drummond #1 during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Needs Paul George to Stay Healthy
The Sixers need George to be healthy at the end of the year if they are going to have a shot at making the playoffs. Joel Embiid cannot be relied upon to stay healthy, so they need George to be ready to go. Both players have an extensive injury history.
Since returning to the lineup, George has been putting up the worst numbers of his career. George does have the highest assist percentage of his career, though. That number will continue to be key as he increases the amount of minutes he plays every game.
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