Paul George has been suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Program, dealing a major blow to the Philadelphia 76ers as they were playing their best basketball of the season.

The suspension is effective immediately, sidelining George without pay for a significant stretch as Philadelphia continue to gel as a team. While the NBA did not disclose details of the violation, league policy mandates a 25-game ban for this level of infraction.

George, who was expected to play a central role alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, will be eligible to return in late March pending completion of the suspension. In the meantime, the Sixers will rely heavily on internal depth and lineup adjustments as they fight to maintain positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff race.