"Paul George Suffers Hyperextended Knee Injury in 76ers Preseason Game Against Hawks"

Philadelphia 76ers' newest star, Paul George, suffered a left knee hyperextension during a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks, as reported by Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The injury occurred in the second quarter while George was playing defense and awkwardly stepped back during a post-up play. He did not return to the game.

In his previous preseason appearance, George posted 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before his early exit on Monday, he had already recorded eight points in 12 minutes. This offseason, George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers, bringing an end to his five-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.

George has faced injury issues in recent seasons, appearing in only 54 games in 2020-21, 31 games in 2021-22, and 56 games in 2022-23. However, last season he managed to stay healthy, playing in 74 games and averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The 76ers are hopeful that his latest injury is not serious and that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.

Philadelphia, coming off a disappointing 47-35 season that ended with a first-round playoff exit to the New York Knicks, made a significant move by adding George to their roster alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With only two preseason games left, the 76ers may decide to rest George to give him ample time to recover. The team has already ruled out star center Joel Embiid for the remainder of the preseason due to left knee injury management, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.