{"id":559411,"date":"2026-03-25T09:10:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T09:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/559411\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T09:10:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T09:10:08","slug":"%f0%9f%8f%80-back-from-suspension-sports-daily-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/559411\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udfc0 Back from suspension | Sports Daily Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paul George<\/a> will return to the court for the Sixers tonight against the Chicago Bulls after serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA\u2019s anti-drug policy.<\/p>\n

George declined to reveal the substance he took that triggered his positive drug test, though he called it a \u201cpoorly timed decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

The time away did allow him to get in a \u201cmuch better place physically,\u201d and for the last seven-plus weeks, he attempted to impact his teammates behind the scenes.<\/a><\/p>\n

But George\u2019s absence was indeed poor timing for the Sixers, who have been severely shorthanded while fighting for postseason positioning. <\/p>\n

Joel Embiid<\/a> has been dealing with an oblique strain in his side, Tyrese Maxey<\/a> suffered a little finger sprain, and Kelly Oubre Jr. has been out for the last seven games with an elbow sprain. <\/p>\n

So George could be the first among that group to return, and Embiid might be next. He\u2019s listed as questionable to play Wednesday, which is an upgrade after missing 13 games.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Sixers are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference \u2014 one game behind the sixth-place Atlanta Hawks and a one game ahead of the eighth-place Orlando Magic.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport<\/a>, sports.daily@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2753What are your thoughts on the Sixers and their outlook for the postseason? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bryce Harper<\/a>, Kyle Schwarber<\/a>, Aaron Nola<\/a>, Zack Wheeler<\/a>, J.T. Realmuto<\/a>, and Trea Turner<\/a> are the Phillies\u2019 core that is talented and expensive. Each stands to rank among the best Phillies players ever at their respective positions.<\/p>\n

But they\u2019re missing something \u2014 they lack a championship. This season there\u2019s plenty on the line, as the core group will be under contract together through 2027. Winning a World Series<\/a> \u201cchanges everything.\u201d Now their legacies depend on it.<\/a><\/p>\n

The initial reaction to the Eagles trading a 2027 seventh-round pick to Carolina for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton was that Tanner McKee would be out. <\/p>\n

But acquiring Dalton might be more significant for Jalen Hurts<\/a> and the Eagles\u2019 offseason offensive reconstruction, as they look to make more of an effort to put experienced quarterbacking minds around Hurts.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Jared McCain<\/a> had a subtle desire to prove the 76ers wrong, but his first game back in Philly since being traded to the defending champions in early February did not exactly bring closure.<\/a><\/p>\n

There may come a day when it is finally revealed what the Sixers were thinking when they dealt McCain. That day was not Monday. We could easily look back on Daryl Morey<\/a>\u2019s decision as one of those unpopular moves that ultimately validates the mover\u2019s convictions. It still comes down to this: They\u2019d better be right, writes David Murphy.<\/a><\/p>\n

And while there wasn\u2019t any acknowledgment of McCain on the scoreboard, fans wore his jersey and brought signs to celebrate his time with the team.<\/a><\/p>\n

Noah Cates<\/a> is one goal away from tying his career high from last season (16), and one point away from besting his previous career high of 38 points from 2022-23. <\/p>\n

His overall game has taken off, and the 27-year-old\u2019s influence with the Flyers has increased compared to recent seasons. He\u2019s emerging as a leader on and off the ice.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Flyers\u2019 playoff chances took a hit Tuesday night with a 3-2 home loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.<\/a><\/p>\n

Sports snapshot<\/p>\n

Aidan Miller was a nonroster invitee to big league camp this year with no expectation of making the team, since the 21-year-old developing third baseman suffered an undisclosed back injury late last year that cost him the end of the triple-A season.<\/p>\n

The Phillies anticipated that Miller would be better by the middle of February, but setbacks early this year derailed those plans. However, there\u2019s no rush, because as of now, there\u2019s no place for him on the big league team, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.<\/a><\/p>\n

Join us on opening day<\/p>\n

Opening day is almost here. The Phillies will begin their 144th season Thursday against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. As always, The Inquirer will be there every step of the way, from the first game of the season to the last. <\/p>\n

Join Inquirer baseball writers Scott Lauber and Lochlahn March for a special edition of Gameday Central Live, sponsored by Xfinity. They will recap spring training, discuss the season ahead, and even make a few bold predictions. It all starts before first pitch at 2:45 p.m. Thursday on Gameday Central. <\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83e\udde0 Trivia time answer<\/p>\n

Donte DiVincenzo and Ed Pinckney are among three Villanova<\/a> players who have been named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Who is the other one?<\/p>\n

C) Ryan Arcidiacono in 2016 \u2014 Mike R. was first with the correct answer.<\/p>\n

What you\u2019re saying about the best deal<\/p>\n

We asked: What was the Sixers\u2019 best trade or signing ever? Among your responses: <\/p>\n

Julius Erving. He became the face of the Sixers for many years (\u201cWe Owe You One\u201d) and raised the Sixers from an also-ran to league champions. And although his fame may have faded a bit over the years, his legacy will live on. \u2014 John S.<\/p>\n

Best signing ever by a Philly team was Wilt Chamberlain in 1959, but then of course that was the Warriors. Best trades were #1 bringing Wilt back to Philly from Golden State in 1965, acquiring Julius Erving from the Nets in 1976, and acquiring Moses Malone from the Rockets in 1983. All led to NBA championships. \u2014 Everett S.<\/p>\n

I think that it\u2019s a tie between Dr. J and Moses Malone. \u2014 Tom M.<\/p>\n

Getting Moses Malone. It got them a championship. \u2014 Tom G.<\/p>\n

We compiled today\u2019s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, David Murphy, Scott Lauber, Jeff Neiburg, Marcus Hayes, Gabriela Carroll, Jackie Spiegel, Owen Hewitt, Conor Smith, and Colin Schofield.<\/p>\n

By submitting your written, visual, and\/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer\u2019s Terms of Use<\/a>, including the grant of rights in Section 10.<\/p>\n

As always, thanks for reading. Have yourself a wonderful Wednesday and we\u2019ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. \u2014 Bella<\/p>\n