George is ready for his Sixers debut, taking Lowry’s place in the starting lineup originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Paul George is officially off the sidelines.

The nine-time All-Star wing joined the Sixers starting five for the first time in the regular season on Monday night, returning from a left knee contusion during the team’s game with the Suns. Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin and Andre Drummond remained in the starting lineup.

Kyle Lowry moved to 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 during pregame in Phoenix that he expected George to play under his normal minutes in his debut. George had been out since suffering a knee injury during the Sixers’ Oct. 14 preseason game against the Hawks.

“It was completely frustrating,” he said after the Sixers’ practice Friday, “just because I wanted to finally get to work with these guys and use these early games to kind of find some build-up and chemistry … just in the same coming and leaving page is a good start.

“Since I’ve been out, I’m still engaged, I still stay connected with the boys and help out from the sidelines, whether it’s during games or during training. … I’ve been involved throughout the entire process, so I don’t feel like I’m behind on anything. I’ve been keeping track of the play calling, where I should be, and monitoring multiple spots so that when I’m ready to go, I can hit the ground running.”

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

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

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