Paul

George

González didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, going just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, his ability to contribute in other ways was on display, with the second-year wing hitting double digits in rebounds and leading the Celtics in assists. It was reported earlier this summer that the Celtics refused to part ways with González, which contributed to their not getting Giannis Antetokounmpo. So it’s clear that the decision-makers in Boston think highly of him. While González is not a must-draft player in standard leagues, the injury history of the new addition, Paul George, makes it likely that Hugo will be fantasy-relevant at some point.

The blockbuster deal between Eastern Conference foes swaps two highly regarded two-way wings. George, who is coming off an injury-plagued second season with the Sixers, averaged 17.3 points and 5.3 rebounds across 37 regular-season games. While no longer in his prime, the veteran is still a capable perimeter defender and scorer, with the size and skill set to comfortably play either forward position. Despite being far removed from his days as a Tier 1 fantasy basketball option, he’ll have some fantasy value in Boston, particularly due to his high-volume three-point shooting in a system that encourages shots from beyond the arc.

In Games 2 and 3, George’s production faltered after hot starts. Unfortunately for him and the 76ers, he could never get going in Game 4, and the Knicks would win by a 144-114 final score, which does not accurately reflect how things went off the rails. After appearing in 41 games in his first season with the 76ers, George appeared in 37 this year, limiting his fantasy value. Like Joel Embiid, the recent availability issues are something that fantasy managers will have to take into consideration when draft season rolls around.

For the second consecutive game, George got off to a hot start for the 76ers. Unfortunately, he provided nothing after scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the first frame. George would shoot 0-of-9 from the field the rest of the way, finishing with 15 points. Given Philadelphia’s lack of depth, they can ill afford to have PG go quiet after a hot start. However, the lack of depth is also why he and the other starters are being pushed farther than they should be minutes-wise. George and the 76ers will look to stave off elimination on Sunday afternoon.

George had 23 points in a pivotal Game 6 win against the Celtics in the first round, but has failed to reach 20 points again in three games since then. In Game 2 on Wednesday, the 36-year-old small forward made five three-pointers, but only made two other field goals and finished with 19 points. He’s likely to have a big role for the rest of the series, especially if Joel Embiid (hip, ankle) remains out. The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday.

George and Kelly Oubre Jr. (12/5/1/1/1 with one three-pointer) were the only 76ers’ starters to make more than 50 percent of their shot attempts in Game 1. Given how hard the 76ers had to work to get out of the first round, erasing a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Celtics, it was no surprise that they looked fatigued in Game 1. Since Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid will be the focus of New York’s defense, George’s ability to have a big series could be a deciding factor in the 76ers’ favor.

Added to the 76ers’ injury report early Saturday afternoon due to an illness, George logged 42 minutes in Game 7. While the final stat line wasn’t elite, his two-way abilities were a factor in the Game 7 victory that should not be overlooked. Solid defensively throughout, George shot 22-of-40 from three in the series. Philadelphia will need steady production from George on both ends of the floor in their second-round series againt the Knicks, which begins on Monday.

Added to the 76ers’ injury report early Saturday afternoon, George has been given the all-clear to play in the series decider. And with the Celtics not having Jayson Tatum (knee), this sets up to be an excellent opportunity for George and the 76ers to complete their rally from a 3-1 series deficit.

George was added to the injury report Saturday afternoon with an illness. While it’s not a great sign that the 36-year-old small forward woke up sick on the day of Game 7, he’s still listed as probable. Still likely to play, George had 23 points in the 76ers’ win in Game 6 on Thursday.

George reached the 20-point mark for the first time in the opening-round series on Thursday, which played a big role in Philadelphia forcing a Game 7. His biggest contributions came from beyond the arc, where he accounted for nearly half of the 76ers’ three-point total. The veteran forward also had some fine moments on defense during his 40 minutes. He’ll have a chance to log another strong outing on Saturday in the series-deciding game.