Paul

George

George played both games of the 76ers’ first back-to-back since his return from suspension, logging 28 minutes in Saturday’s defeat. His production was solid, with the veteran forward shooting 50 percent from the field and finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Philadelphia’s Week 24 schedule includes another back-to-back, with George’s availability likely depending on potential playoff seeding implications.

George was initially probable, so the status upgrade was expected. With Joel Embiid sitting, the Pistons should run more of their offense through George and Tyrese Maxey.

George is probable for injury management reasons, so he should be good to go for Saturday’s matchup. It is part of Philadelphia’s first back-to-back since George returned from his 25-game suspension, so the playing time could take a slight hit. However, as long as he’s on the floor, fantasy managers will receive good value from the veteran forward.

George did not have the most efficient night, shooting 40 percent from the field and committing six turnovers. However, he did finish with a complete stat line and has scored at least 23 points in four of five games since returning from suspension. The 76ers play once more in Week 23, as they host the Pistons on Saturday. If Joel Embiid sits, the 76ers will need more scoring from George.

While Joel Embiid (illness) being out did free up additional scoring opportunities for George and the other 76ers starters, he has played consistently well since returning from his 25-game suspension. The veteran wing has scored 26 points or more in three of the four games he’s played, with Wednesday’s tally representing a new season-high. The 76ers play two more games in Week 23, which is good news for those rostering George.

After two stellar performances in his first games back from a 25-game suspension, George cooled off a bit on Monday. He shot 3-of-7 from inside the arc, a bit worse than his 47.5 percent mark from two on the season. However, the points and three-pointers were a solid start to Week 23, especially with the 76ers facing the Wizards on Wednesday. Don’t be surprised if George has a big night in that one.

George produced an excellent all-around stat line on Saturday, which was great news for those rostering him. In the two games he’s played since returning from his suspension, the 76ers’ forward has totaled 54 points, 19 rebounds, six assists, eight steals, two blocks and 10 three-pointers. Describing George as a “league-winner” is a bit strange given his career track record. However, the 25-game suspension has put him in that position since some managers dropped him in the immediate aftermath.

George came back from a 25-game suspension he received after violating the league’s anti-drug policy and had a great game in the 157-137 victory over the Bulls. The 35-year-old small forward had 28 points and six three-pointers in the blowout win. With Joel Embiid also going off for 35 points in what was his first game back from injuries, the 76ers have two stars back down the stretch of the regular season.

It may have come in a losing effort, but Oubre produced another solid stat line on Monday. The six defensive contributions were one shy of his season-high, which the veteran wing recorded in a January 11 loss to the Raptors. With Paul George serving a 25-game suspension, there isn’t a good reason to leave Oubre on the waiver wire in deep leagues. And Monday’s performance will likely get him on the radar in some 12-team leagues as well.

Grimes is back after a two-game absence, and the timing couldn’t be better for the 76ers. With Paul George beginning a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, there will be more minutes available to Grimes, even if he continues to come off the bench.