Paul George ready for Sixers debut, taking Kyle Lowry's spot in starting lineup – NBC Sports Philadelphia

Paul George is officially off the sidelines.

The nine-time All-Star winger made his first regular-season start for the Sixers on Monday night, returning from a bone bruise in his left knee for the team's game against the Suns. Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin and Andre Drummond remained in the starting lineup.

Kyle Lowry sat on the bench. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Friday that he envisions both Lowry and Eric Gordon playing “15, 18, 20 minutes (per game) as shooters and veteran players” when the Sixers are at full strength.

Nurse told reporters before the game in Phoenix that he expected George to play fewer minutes than normal in his debut. George had been out since suffering a knee injury in the Sixers' preseason game against the Hawks on Oct. 14.

“It's been completely frustrating,” he said after the Sixers' practice on Friday, “just wanting to finally get going with these guys and use those early games to kind of build and find some chemistry… just get on the same page.” come and then come through again.” to a good start.

“Since I've been out I've still been involved, still staying close with the boys and helping from the sidelines, be it at games or training. … I was committed throughout the entire process, so I don't feel like I'm behind on anything. I’ve been keeping up with the play call for where I should be and watching multiple spots so when I’m ready to go, I can hit the ground running.”

Joel Embiid (managing a left knee injury) missed his sixth straight game to start the season on Monday night.

Without George and Embiid, the Sixers were among the NBA's worst teams in several key metrics entering this season, including net rating (29th), offensive rating (26th), three-point percentage (29th) and defensive rebound rate ( 29.).

Heading into Monday's game in Phoenix, the Sixers and Bucks were the only remaining Eastern Conference teams with a win. The Sixers are hoping their big offseason signing will have a big immediate impact.