Paul George is day-to-day with a rest issue and will not play Thursday against the Cavaliers, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports. The Celtics open their season without him, leaning on Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White to cover his minutes.
What happened
George is listed day-to-day on the Thursday, Oct. 8 injury report, filed at 6:53 p.m. ET, with the issue logged as rest, categorized as other. No previous status is listed for him. Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports George is not in line to play Thursday against Cleveland. The Celtics are at the Cavaliers that night, tipping off at 7 p.m. ET, just minutes after the report went out.
What it means for the Celtics
Without George, the Celtics open the season on the road at the Cavaliers Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Last season, George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30.7 minutes across 37 games. The minutes figure to fall to the rest of the rotation: Jaylen Brown averaged 34.4 minutes and 28.7 points without George on the floor last season, with Derrick White (34.1 minutes, 16.5 points), Jayson Tatum (32.6 minutes, 21.8 points) and Payton Pritchard (32.3 minutes, 17.0 points) also seeing extended run. Tatum and White are themselves listed day-to-day for rest on Thursday's report. The Celtics have not played a game this season, so there is no record to compare with or without George.
What to watch
The Celtics' next injury report will show whether George's rest day carries into a second game. His listing includes an expected return date of Oct. 10. Tatum and White, also day-to-day for rest Thursday, bear watching on the same report for the same reason. Boston's season is just getting underway, with no games played yet, so each report through the opening week will shape how the rotation looks without any of the three available.
Is Paul George playing at the Cavaliers Thursday?
No. Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports George is not in line to play, with the Celtics' injury report listing him day-to-day for rest.
When will Paul George be back?
His injury report listing carries an expected return date of Oct. 10.