🏀 Back from suspension | Sports Daily Newsletter

Paul George will return to the court for the Sixers tonight against the Chicago Bulls after serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

George declined to reveal the substance he took that triggered his positive drug test, though he called it a “poorly timed decision.”

The time away did allow him to get in a “much better place physically,” and for the last seven-plus weeks, he attempted to impact his teammates behind the scenes.

But George’s absence was indeed poor timing for the Sixers, who have been severely shorthanded while fighting for postseason positioning.

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

So George could be the first among that group to return, and Embiid might be next. He’s listed as questionable to play Wednesday, which is an upgrade after missing 13 games.

The Sixers are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference — one game behind the sixth-place Atlanta Hawks and a one game ahead of the eighth-place Orlando Magic.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, J.T. Realmuto, and Trea Turner are the Phillies’ core that is talented and expensive. Each stands to rank among the best Phillies players ever at their respective positions.

But they’re missing something — they lack a championship. This season there’s plenty on the line, as the core group will be under contract together through 2027. Winning a World Series “changes everything.” Now their legacies depend on it.

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.

But acquiring Dalton might be more significant for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offseason offensive reconstruction, as they look to make more of an effort to put experienced quarterbacking minds around Hurts.

Jared McCain 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.

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’s decision as one of those unpopular moves that ultimately validates the mover’s convictions. It still comes down to this: They’d better be right, writes David Murphy.

And while there wasn’t any acknowledgment of McCain on the scoreboard, fans wore his jersey and brought signs to celebrate his time with the team.

Noah Cates 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.

His overall game has taken off, and the 27-year-old’s influence with the Flyers has increased compared to recent seasons. He’s emerging as a leader on and off the ice.

The Flyers’ playoff chances took a hit Tuesday night with a 3-2 home loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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.

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

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.

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.

Donte DiVincenzo and Ed Pinckney are among three Villanova players who have been named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Who is the other one?

C) Ryan Arcidiacono in 2016 — Mike R. was first with the correct answer.

We asked: What was the Sixers’ best trade or signing ever? Among your responses:

Julius Erving. He became the face of the Sixers for many years (“We Owe You One”) 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. — John S.

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. — Everett S.

I think that it’s a tie between Dr. J and Moses Malone. — Tom M.

Getting Moses Malone. It got them a championship. — Tom G.

We compiled today’s 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.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

As always, thanks for reading. Have yourself a wonderful Wednesday and we’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella