Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is reportedly seeing positive progress in his recovery from a knee injury. Following a partial participation in Tuesday's practice, George expressed hope to reporters that he could make his return to the court 'hopefully within the next week.'

However, the Sixers have confirmed that both George, star center Joel Embiid, and veteran point guard Kyle Lowry will not be available for Wednesday's matchup against the Houston Rockets. This marks the ninth game that George has missed during his inaugural year with Philadelphia.

George sustained a hyperextended left knee during the Sixers' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 20, an injury that echoes the one he experienced in the preseason, which sidelined him at the start of the season. Prior to his injury, George struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 14.9 points in eight games while shooting 38.3 percent from the field and a career-low 27.8 percent from three-point range. In his limited appearances, he also recorded an average of 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals. Amid a troubling stretch of injuries, Philadelphia currently holds the second-worst record in the NBA at 3-13. Initially viewed as title contenders with George's acquisition in the offseason, the team faces challenges that may jeopardize their aspirations. Without George and Embiid, the Sixers will rely on rising star Tyrese Maxey and promising rookie Jared McCain as they aim to avoid a second consecutive loss when they face the Rockets on Wednesday.