Is Paul George Playing Tonight Against Jazz? Days After Booing Forward, Frustration Mounts for Philadelphia Fans

After the Philadelphia 76ers won against an in-form Warriors, it seemed like fortunes finally favoured them. But old habits die hard. They’ve lost the next 3 games, and all in embarrassing fashion. Philly fans might have to hold onto their juju dolls a little longer, because it seems like the going will get tough before it gets better. And that starts with them issuing a disappointing update on the availability of star man Paul George for their Jazz clash.

It’s already evident that Joel Embiid has had more appearances on the injury list than on the court. This season, injuries have ravaged the Sixers, making their roster resemble a medical ward. Paul George will miss the game against the Jazz due to groin soreness, adding to the team’s setbacks. Additionally, he will miss the upcoming game against the Hawks. It’s challenging to be a Sixers’ fan these days.

Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice reported that PG-13 had missed Saturday’s practice due to his groin. Reports indicate that Paul George’s soreness developed gradually rather than from a specific incident. The team listed him as questionable due to left groin soreness before the March 3, 2025, game against the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a big, big blow to Philly. Big man Paul has averaged 16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 4.3 APG this season. Embiid missing was their go-to talisman and now he has gone missing. Maybe the Sixers weren’t meant to succeed this season.

But it’s not over yet. The 76ers have ruled out guards Tyrese Maxey and Kyle Lowry for the Jazz game. Tyrese’s season has been full of career-highs. It’s probably been the silver lining of their season so far. But a back injury means he’ll be cheering the team on from the sidelines. But the same can’t be said of Lowry. He’s only played 56 games in the last 2 seasons combined for Philly, with little-to-no impact.

While injuries have frustrated Sixers fans, their disappointment was also evident outside the basketball court. At WWE SmackDown on March 7, the home crowd made their dissatisfaction loud and clear.

Paul George and teammates booed at WWE show in Philadelphia

WWE SmackDown took place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Since the Wells Fargo Center is the 76ers‘ home ground, organizers decided to showcase some of the team’s finest players to the audience. This year’s tradition of celebrity athletes in WWE matches saw Justin Edwards, Guerschon Yabusele, Adem Bona, and Paul George grace the crowd with their presence. But the crowd didn’t see it that way—they booed as soon as the cameras panned to the superstars.

Philly fans are notorious for this. They won’t just cheer for anyone. Especially if it’s your favourite basketball team’s underperforming players. A crowd of 16,728 fans let the quartet of 76ers finest know that they had to step it up for the season. There’s still a lot of games yet to go, and they’re just 4 games off leapfrogging the Bulls into a sneaky play-ins position.

Setbacks, from injuries to poor form, have defined the 76ers’ season. With a 1-9 record in their last 10 games, their playoff hopes are fading fast. Their upcoming clash with the Jazz is a must-win, but doing so without key players will be an uphill battle.

The road ahead is uncertain, and unless the team finds a way to turn things around, their season may slip away before they get another chance.