The Sixers won the first game of Paul George’s 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program, notching a 124-114 victory Saturday night over the Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena. By wrapping up a 3-0 homestand, the Sixers improved to 27-21 on the season. New Orleans fell to 13-38.

The Philadelphia 76ers will be seeking a third consecutive win when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they received some bad news on the day of the game, as star forward Paul George has been suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.

The Philadelphia 76ers listed Joel Embiid off their initial injury report ahead of Saturday’s home game against the New Orleans Pelicans, a notable development for a team that has carefully managed his availability in recent months. Paul George was also not listed, while Quentin Grimes (right ankle sprain) is probable.

The 76ers’ season, which was starting to take shape, suffered a significant blow Saturday. The NBA announced that Paul George will be suspended 25 games without pay for violating the terms of the NBA and National Basketball Players Association anti-drug program.