Just as the Philadelphia 76ers believed their season was finding optimum momentum for a deep run in the postseason, the franchise's torrid luck has come back to haunt them once again. The NBA has announced that Paul George has been suspended for 25 games due to violating the league's anti-drug policy. The suspension will be effective immediately, meaning George will miss the Philadelphia 76ers matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on January 31.
Just In: The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers' Paul George for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2026
According to Shams Charania, the Sixers forward told ESPN, “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 continued by stating, "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."
The statement concluded as George communicated, “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.”
What does this mean for the 76ers?
Now, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a positive postseason push, and the franchise will have to reevaluate what roster transactions they will make before the NBA trade deadline closes on February 6. The Sixers currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-21 record.
Due to the 25-game suspension, Paul George is expected to be available for selection on March 25 when Philadelphia plays the Chicago Bulls at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Nick Nurse's team will have 10 games remaining on the NBA calendar if his return goes to plan, meaning their postseason fate may already be sealed.
Undoubtedly, head coach Nick Nurse will have a major issue replacing the 35-year-old's increased production on both sides of the ball. George is averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting 42.4% from the floor.
However, according to NBA salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan, this will make it easier for the 76ers to avoid the luxury tax because of the suspension's implications on George. Gozlan states that the Sixers veteran's suspension will cost him $11,742,294. Additionally, this will result in Philadelphia being awarded a luxury tax credit worth half of this number, equalling $5,871,147.
Paul George's 25 game suspension will cost him $11,742,294.
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) January 31, 2026
The Philadelphia 76ers will receive a luxury tax credit worth half that amount ($5,871,147).
This brings the Sixers from $7 million above the luxury tax line to just $1.3 million above it.
Inevitably, this will be headache the Philadelphia 76ers front office would rather avoid, but it does allow the franchise to navigate the luxury tax with more flexibility. Both Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker have limited games remaining on their two-way deals and have shown the franchise that they positively contribute to a winning formula. A solution to this problem is more palpable because of this breaking news.
It appeared that the Philadelphia 76ers had finally been blessed with good fortune by Lady Luck; however, the news that Paul George has been handed a 25-game suspension has shown otherwise. All eyes turn to a resurgent Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to save the Sixers' season once again.