Paul George Set to Make Season Debut Against Phoenix

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is expected to make his season debut Monday against the Phoenix Suns, marking his return after a left knee bone bruise suffered in a preseason game. After a 5-on-5 scrimmage Friday and practice on Sunday, George, listed as questionable, is set to play barring any setbacks.

This game marks the first in a three-game Western swing for Philadelphia, where George will also play against his former team, the LA Clippers, on Wednesday, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The 76ers, currently 1-4, will be missing Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. The league is also investigating a postgame altercation involving Embiid and a columnist on Saturday, adding to a challenging start to Philly’s season.

Luka Doncic Powers Mavs Past Injury-Plagued Magic

Luka Doncic delivered once again, scoring 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a 108-85 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Dallas reached a lead as large as 33 points in the second half, never looking back.

Orlando, missing star Paolo Banchero for the second consecutive game, struggled to find their rhythm. Starter Wendell Carter Jr. also had a limited outing, playing just nine first-half minutes due to a left foot strain, leaving the Magic shorthanded in the paint.

Doncic led the way, while Kyrie Irving added 17 points and Dereck Lively II contributed a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Dallas coach Jason Kidd had emphasized a faster offensive pace, fewer fouls, and more rebounds, an approach that paid off. The Mavs outscored the Magic 19-12 in fast-break points and recorded a season-high 53 rebounds.

76ers’ Struggles Continue

The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a rocky start, dropping to 1-4 after Saturday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. But the story didn’t end on the court, Joel Embiid allegedly confronted and shoved a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist, escalating tensions amid the team’s challenging start. The NBA has launched an investigation into the incident.

The confrontation reportedly arose from articles by columnist Marcus Hayes, who questioned Embiid’s professionalism and fitness, bringing up Embiid’s late brother and son in the process. Embiid warned Hayes:

The incident eventually involved team security and other players stepping in to defuse the situation.

Stephen Curry Listed as Questionable

Stephen Curry could soon be back on the court. The Golden State Warriors star has been upgraded to questionable for Monday's matchup with the Washington Wizards after missing three games due to a left peroneal strain suffered against the LA Clippers on Oct. 27.

Golden State has been holding steady without Curry, winning all three games in his absence to reach a 5-1 record. They’ve dominated, with a league-leading +17.6 net rating. While Curry’s presence is always a game-changer, the team has shown impressive depth and resilience.

The real test, however, lies ahead, as the Warriors face a tough stretch after Washington, taking on the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Thunder, teams with a combined 19-1 record. A healthy Curry would be crucial for Golden State in these challenging matchups.

Chicago Sky Hire Tyler Marsh as Head Coach

The Chicago Sky announced Tyler Marsh as their new head coach on Sunday, inking him to a multiyear deal. Marsh, previously an assistant coach and head of player development with the Las Vegas Aces, brings championship experience to a young and promising Sky team.

With a roster featuring Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, two first-round picks, along with star Chennedy Carter, Marsh will be looking to build a championship culture both on and off the court. He’ll also navigate a pivotal draft lottery, although a pick swap with Dallas means Chicago won’t land the No. 1 pick.

Marsh’s resume is packed with experience, he joined the Aces in 2022 with Becky Hammon, helping Las Vegas secure back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. His time in the NBA and the G League, including stints with the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, has equipped him with a versatile coaching toolkit that he’ll now bring to Chicago.

With seven head-coaching vacancies this offseason, the WNBA is entering uncharted territory. Marsh’s hiring in Chicago leaves five positions still open in Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington, Atlanta, and Connecticut.

The Aces are also looking to fill two assistant coaching roles after Marsh’s departure and Natalie Nakase’s recent move to head coach of the expansion Golden State Valkyries. Despite falling short of a three-peat, the Aces will return key players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, though Kelsey Plum is set to enter free agency.

Stephanie White Returns to Lead Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever have announced Stephanie White as their new head coach, reuniting the franchise with a seasoned leader familiar with the team’s roots. White, a former Fever player and recent WNBA Coach of the Year with the Connecticut Sun, takes over a promising roster led by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.

An Indiana native, White knows the Fever well, having previously played for and coached the team. President Kelly Krauskopf praised White’s leadership and deep connection with the Fever’s culture, making her the ideal choice to lead this new era.

With White’s experience and a talented young core, the Fever are poised for a strong season ahead as they aim to build a championship-caliber team. Stay tuned for an exciting 2024 season.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team