Paul George Just Dropped 39 Points After His Suspension and the Timberwolves Have No Answer for What's Coming Friday

The 76ers are about to roll into a massive late-season matchup against Minnesota on Friday night, and Philadelphia might be without Joel Embiid. But here's the thing that should terrify Timberwolves fans: Paul George just came back from a 25-game suspension and he is absolutely cooking. In his fourth game since returning, George went 15-for-22 from the field for a season-high 39 points in a 153-131 beatdown of Washington on Wednesday. This is not the Paul George you want to face when the games matter most.

The 76ers Are Clicking Even Without Their Star Center

Embiid missed that win over Washington due to illness and could sit out Friday's matchup. The concern in Philly is real on the surface, but the offense is not waiting around for anyone. Tyrese Maxey added 28 points, and VJ Edgecombe, just named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for March, chipped in 23 points and 10 assists on 10-of-15 shooting. This is a team that knows how to score from everywhere. "We got a lot of guys that can get 20," Maxey said. "Guys off the bench that can get 20, get 30." George echoed that confidence: "That time off was the time I needed for my body. That's been what unlocked me to kind of play free and play aggressive."

Philadelphia sits sixth in the East at 42-34, but the playoff picture is tight. There's barely any separation between fifth and 10th place, which means Friday's game carries real weight.

Minnesota Is Missing Its Best Scorer at the Worst Time

The Timberwolves are also banged up heading into this matchup. Anthony Edwards, averaging 29.3 points per game, scored just 17 in Monday's 124-94 win over Dallas but was unable to play Thursday against Detroit, where Minnesota lost 113-108 to the East-leading Pistons. Edwards has been dealing with a knee injury and missed six straight games before Dallas.

Without their star, the Wolves are leaning heavy on role players. Julius Randle led the charge against Detroit with 27 points, while Naz Reid and Ayo Dosunmu added 19 apiece. Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 10 off the bench, his highest output since March 10. Coach Chris Finch is managing minutes and roles on the fly: "Everyone's role is going to be situational." Minnesota is 46-30 and sixth in the West, but climbing higher requires staying healthy and Edwards in the lineup.

The teams met once already this season, and Philadelphia dominated, 135-108, at Minnesota back on February 22 with Maxey dropping 39 points and eight assists. Catch Friday night's tip-off and see if the Wolves have answers for a 76ers team playing free and confident right now.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.