Multiple Sixers react to the pending return of Paul George vs. Bulls

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers will welcome back a key piece to their success on Wednesday when Paul George returns from his 25-game suspension in a matchup with the Chicago Bulls.

The time is now for the Sixers to make a push into the top 6 in the Eastern Conference. A finish in the No. 5 seed is very attainable as they are only 1.5 games back of the sliding Toronto Raptors with 10 to play and they do have the tiebreaker over the Raptors. The Sixers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-103 on Monday, but knowing that George is set to return is a big lift for everybody.

"It’s Paul George, man," beamed VJ Edgecombe. "He’s elite. He's elite. He's one of the smoothest players to ever touch a basketball. He's a two-way player at that. So for him to get back on the floor means a lot. Especially, after his time being out. It will be a lot for him to be back on the floor, and for me with my teammates, I just want to see them succeed, and see them happy in the right headspace."

George has played 27 games on the season and is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 38.2% from deep. The Sixers miss his ability to make plays for others and can help on the defensive end of the floor. He has been participating in practice on the scout team and such.

"It's going to be great," MarJon Beauchamp added on George. "The way he's moving and playing. I see him in the play groups, you know, and he looks ready. We need that leadership that he has, and we can't wait to get him back. He’s a special player and we’ll just try to get these wins and get back on track."

The return of George for the final 10 games will be a big help to the Sixers as they make that push into a guaranteed playoff spot. They are a game back of the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 6 seed--although the Hawks own the tiebreaker--and the 9-time All-Star will look to move forward with the team.

"P’s a big factor," said Justin Edwards. "A big part of our team so we’ll be happy to have him back."

The Sixers and the Bulls will tip off at 7 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Multiple Sixers react to the pending return of Paul George vs. Bulls