Paul George sidelined 25 games for anti-drug policy violation

NBA suspends Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug program; the ban begins with the game against the New Orleans Pelicans and runs through March 23, with a return set for March 25 against the Chicago Bulls. George says the violation stemmed from an improper medication; it marks his longest absence since the 2021-22 season. The Sixers, 26-21, aren’t expected to pursue major moves at the trade deadline as Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and rookie VJ Edgecombe lead the team’s playoff push.