Philadelphia 76ers fans have spent weeks asking the same pressing question: when is Paul George coming back? As of today, the answer is finally clear. Paul George is eligible to return to NBA action on March 25, 2026, following a league-issued 25-game suspension. That date now defines the remainder of his season and sets the stage for a high-stakes late return that could shape Philadelphia’s playoff fate.
George’s absence has not been the result of injury alone. Instead, it stems from a suspension that abruptly removed one of the team’s most experienced and versatile players from the lineup during a crucial stretch of the regular season. With the timeline now confirmed, fans, analysts, and the organization itself can focus on what comes next.
This article breaks down the full context of George’s absence, explains why March 25 matters, and looks at what his return could mean for the 76ers as the postseason approaches.
Paul George’s Season Before the Suspension
Paul George entered the 2025–26 NBA season with significant expectations. In his second year with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was expected to serve as a two-way cornerstone alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, the season began with a delay after George underwent offseason arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
That procedure kept him out of the early portion of the schedule. When he returned, the 76ers handled him cautiously, monitoring his workload and managing his minutes. Despite those limitations, George still made a noticeable impact.
In his appearances before the suspension, George averaged solid scoring numbers while contributing on both ends of the floor. His defensive instincts, perimeter shooting, and ability to create shots off the dribble helped stabilize lineups that frequently shifted due to injuries and rest management.
Although he was not yet playing at full throttle every night, the signs were encouraging. Philadelphia appeared to be setting George up for a stronger second half of the season—until the suspension changed everything.
What Led to the Suspension
On January 31, 2026, the NBA suspended Paul George for 25 games without pay for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Program. The ruling immediately removed him from all team activities and games during that span.
The suspension was not related to performance-enhancing substances or recreational drug use. Instead, it stemmed from a violation involving medication use while George was undergoing treatment. The league classified the issue as a breach of its established program rules, triggering the automatic suspension.
As a result, George forfeited more than $11 million in salary and was sidelined for a large portion of the regular season. For the 76ers, the timing was particularly difficult, coming as the team pushed to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Why March 25 Is the Return Date
The NBA suspension covers exactly 25 games, calculated based on Philadelphia’s official schedule. Once those games are completed, George becomes eligible to return immediately.
That calculation lands on March 25, 2026, the first date on which Paul George is allowed to rejoin the active roster and play in an official NBA game. The 76ers are scheduled to face the Chicago Bulls that night, making it the earliest possible opportunity for his return.
It is important to understand what this date represents. March 25 does not guarantee that George will play that night. It simply means the suspension ends, and he is eligible to do so. Final decisions about minutes, conditioning, and game readiness will rest with the coaching staff and medical team.
Still, March 25 is the definitive answer to when Paul George is coming back in terms of league eligibility.
How Injury Management Factors In
Before the suspension, George’s availability revolved around knee management rather than discipline. The 76ers had taken a conservative approach, often listing him as questionable or probable based on daily evaluations.
That careful handling is likely to continue once the suspension ends. Although George will not be recovering from a new injury, he will be returning after an extended period without live game action. Conditioning, timing, and rhythm all take time to rebuild at the NBA level.
Philadelphia is expected to ease him back into the rotation, especially if the team remains in playoff contention. The goal will be to have George healthy, confident, and effective when the postseason begins, rather than overloading him immediately upon return.
Impact on the 76ers During His Absence
Losing Paul George for 25 games forced the 76ers to adjust quickly. The burden shifted heavily onto Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, both of whom saw increased responsibility as primary scoring options and leaders.
Role players were also asked to step up, particularly on the defensive end where George’s length and versatility had been valuable. While Philadelphia managed to stay competitive, the absence of a proven two-way wing was noticeable, especially in close games.
Despite those challenges, the team avoided a total collapse. That resilience could pay dividends once George returns, giving the 76ers a deeper and more flexible rotation heading into the final weeks of the season.
What Paul George’s Return Could Mean
Once March 25 arrives, Paul George’s presence could have an immediate effect—even if his minutes are limited at first.
Offensively, he provides a reliable secondary scorer who can create his own shot and stretch defenses with perimeter shooting. Defensively, his ability to guard multiple positions adds options in high-leverage matchups.
Perhaps most importantly, George brings playoff experience. His calm approach in pressure situations is something that cannot be replicated by younger players. For a team with championship aspirations, that experience matters.
With only a handful of regular-season games remaining after his return, every possession will count. The coaching staff will need to balance experimentation with urgency as they prepare for the postseason.
A Clear Timeline for Fans
For those tracking his status closely, here is the confirmed timeline:
- Paul George has been sidelined since January 31, 2026
- The suspension lasts 25 games
- He becomes eligible to return on March 25, 2026
- That date answers the question of when Paul George is coming back in official terms
Anything beyond that date will depend on team decisions, game readiness, and competitive context.
Looking Ahead to the Playoff Push
If Paul George returns on March 25 and remains healthy, the 76ers could enter the playoffs with a lineup that looks very different from the one that carried them through much of the regular season.
A late-season reintegration is never simple, but it can be powerful when done correctly. Philadelphia’s ability to blend George back into its core may ultimately determine how far the team can go.
For fans, the countdown is now straightforward. The wait has a defined end, and anticipation is building with each game that passes.
March 25 is circled on the calendar—now it’s your turn to weigh in on how Paul George’s return could reshape the 76ers’ season and playoff run.