Paul George suspended 25 games for violating anti-drug policy, per reports

According to multiple reports, the NBA is suspending Philadelphia 76ers standout Paul George 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. ESPN insider Shams Charania shared the news first on social media, posting about the suspension early Saturday afternoon.

George underwent knee surgery in July of 2025, and has been working his way back into the lineup for the 76ers this season. While Philadelphia has managed his minutes at times this season, including holding him out of a back-to-back in January with a “left knee injury management” designation, has started 27 games this year for the Sixers.

Over his 27 games, George is averaging 16 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. He is also averaging just over 30 minutes per game. Two games ago, a 139-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, George poured in 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Only a 35-point outburst against the Atlanta Hawks back in December was a bigger night for George.

As of publication, the NBA has not disclosed the involved substance. Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a 25-game suspension indicates that this is a first offense for George.

Should he begin serving the suspension immediately, George would be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point. As of Saturday, Philadelphia is sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-21 record.

The Sixers are 16-11 when George is in the lineup, 10-10 when he is not.