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Tag: Kelly Oubre Jr.

  • The Sixers finally have a full roster. Now it’s time to see how all the players fit.

    The Sixers finally have a full roster. Now it’s time to see how all the players fit.

    About 70 minutes before tipoff Wednesday, Kelly Oubre Jr. let out a scream when he popped into the 76ers’ locker room. A few minutes later, Tyrese Maxey announced that “12 [is] back” while settling into his seat next to Trendon Watford.

    They were, indeed. Oubre and Watford both returned from lengthy injury absences in the Sixers’ comfortable 131-110 victory over the Washington Wizards at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Their modest stat lines — Oubre totaled two points, three rebounds, and two steals in 20 minutes, 16 seconds; Watford three assists and did not attempt a shot in 4:45 — reflected that they had been sidelined for more than a month.

    But their outings were an appropriate first step for the 20-15 Sixers, who had their full roster available for a game for the first time since December 2023.

    Sixers takeaways: Joel Embiid is a mainstay, Paul George still has it, and more from win vs. Wizards

    “It’s been a long journey to get back out there,” Oubre said postgame. “And it felt amazing, just to even be able to just touch the court and be able to do anything out there.”

    Coach Nick Nurse’s eyes widened when informed that, according to research by PhillyVoice, it had been more than two calendar years since the Sixers had not ruled out any players before a game because of injury or personal reasons. When the public address announcer shared that the Sixers had “no injuries” a few minutes before tipoff, cheers erupted from the crowd.

    There was another big ovation when Oubre initially checked in during the first quarter, wearing a knee brace under a leg sleeve that provides proper support but “just [messes] my swag all the way up,” he quipped.

    Kelly Oubre Jr. averaged 16.8 points on 49.7% shooting along with 5.1 rebounds in the season’s first 12 games.

    Oubre airballed his first shot, an elbow pull-up off a rebound that he said he rushed because he “was so happy and geeked” to be back on the court. After two more misfires — which the 11-year veteran attributed to fatigued legs — Oubre’s fourth-quarter jumper in the lane bounced in just before he exited for the final time.

    But on the defensive end, the Sixers consistently felt Oubre’s full-court pressure. That was where he was most eager to test that knee, he said.

    “He just started going out there and picking his guy up,” Nurse said. “And everybody behind him saw how hard he was working, and I think they picked it up, too.

    “I think he was a big spark tonight, even though it doesn’t look like his offense is anywhere near his capabilities yet.”

    As Tyrese Maxey ascends, his shotmaking in ‘clutch’ scenarios is still a work in progress

    While rehabbing the knee sprain he suffered on Nov. 14, Oubre said he felt “no pain” but added that he needed to regain his stability and strength. When he finished “like my 1,000th sprint,” however, Oubre said he was “so done.”

    “I just wanted to get out there and play basketball,” Oubre said, “and test my wind out there on the court.”

    Next, Oubre will be tasked with recapturing his career-best play, when he averaged 16.8 points on 49.7% shooting along with 5.1 rebounds in the season’s first 12 games. He was more in control with the ball in his hands on offense and was another defender who could guard bigger wings and switch on to multiple positions.

    Oubre also has been a consistent starter when healthy throughout his two-plus Sixers seasons. Dominick Barlow, who had become a terrific fit as a rebounder and cutter in Oubre’s absence, maintained that first-team role Wednesday.

    Nurse said before the game that he would prefer to eventually become “a little more fluid” with lineup combinations, depending on opponent matchups. Personnel tweaks also could affect players further down the rotation, such as Jabari Walker and Jared McCain.

    Watford, who averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games before suffering an adductor strain in his thigh, put himself in the category of needing to earn one of those spots again.

    He believes his three assists in Wednesday’s short stint are evidence of his playmaking as a 6-foot-8 “point” forward. He said he needs to get more comfortable playing off former MVP center Joel Embiid, who is looking far more like himself than earlier in the season.

    Yet after Watford also missed training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury, Nurse said he needs to evaluate the forward for “a long stretch of games.”

    Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey drops to third in East in All-Star voting; Joel Embiid remains 17th

    “We certainly like his size, his skill, his kind of versatility,” Nurse said. “But I just haven’t seen enough of it yet to really understand where he’s going to help us and fit into this thing.”

    That process will continue when the Sixers hit the road for a Friday matchup against the Orlando Magic before two straight games against the Raptors in Toronto. Nurse knows Oubre and Watford regaining their conditioning, rhythm, and “peak performance” will take time. And the coach does not want to disrupt the cohesion that has been building as Embiid and Paul George have become more available, mobile, and productive alongside the dynamic backcourt of Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

    But Wednesday was the first step with the Sixers’ full roster.

    Finally.

    “I feel fine,” Oubre said. “I feel amazing, actually. So I’m just happy to get one under my belt and just continue to grow from there.”

  • Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are cleared to play against Washington Wizards

    Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are cleared to play against Washington Wizards

    For the first time all season, the 76ers had all of their main players available heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Washington Wizards.

    Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford were both cleared to play after being upgraded from questionable and probable earlier in the day. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, who’s dealing left knee injury management and right ankle soreness, will play after being listed as questionable on Tuesday.

    Oubre has been sidelined since he suffered a sprained left knee ligament against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. Watford has not played since he suffered a strained left thigh muscle against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 25.

    Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford upgraded to questionable vs. Wizards

    “Especially after coming back from the loss that we just had, I think it adds more energy,” Jabari Walker said of the possibility of finally having a full roster. “Now we are playing for something bigger. We are playing for everybody. You know, games like that naturally boost everyone’s energy.

    “So I’m excited for tonight. We have literally everything we need. It’s a matter of us coming together and jelling as a group.”

    Meanwhile, the Wizards (10-25) will be without the injured Kyshawn George (left hip), CJ McCollum (right quadriceps), Khris Middleton (right knee), and former Villanova standout Cam Whitmore (right shoulder).

    Dwindling days

    Walker and Dominick Barlow aren’t your traditional two-way players. These contracts are usually reserved for seldom-used players, but Barlow is the Sixers’ starting power forward and Walker serves as his dependable backup.

    Their availability is beginning to dwindle, though.

    Barlow, who missed 10 games this season with an injury, has 26 games left on his two-way deal. Walker has only 16 left.

    But since the Sixers have a standard-contract roster spot available, their remaining available games are lower. The team has only 20 games remaining among Barlow, Walker, and MarJon Beauchamp, their third two-way player. Beauchamp has spent most of his time with the Delaware Blue Coats after signing with the Sixers on Dec. 26.

    So, in theory, if Barlow and Walker played in 10 straight games, the Sixers would be without two-way contracts until they signed an extra player. One way to briefly fill the 15th standard roster spot is to sign someone to a 10-day contract.

    But the Sixers could convert Barlow or Walker’s contract to a standard deal. Then they could convert the remaining two-way power forward after trading or waiving one of their current teammates on a standard deal.

    “Every now and then, it will pop up in my mind, but just putting my energy toward what I can control right now,” Walker said of the dwindling days. “And just whatever happens, just knowing that I left an impact on my teammates and left an impact in the game, I think that’s the biggest truth.”

    Walker has averaged 4.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 13.0 minutes in 32 games. Meanwhile, Barlow has averaged career highs of 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 24.0 minutes through 24 games, with a career-high 21 starts.

    Sixers forward Dominick Barlow averaged career highs of 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 24.0 minutes through 24 games, with a career-high 21 starts.

    Right now, the two aren’t letting the two-way contracts define them, given the unique situation.

    Walker spent the last three seasons on a standard contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Barlow’s previous two-way deals with the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks were converted to standard deals.

    “We’re both big pieces, and we have similar styles sometimes with our energy,” Walker said. “So we just talk about how we can be effective with the team, how we can both bring more energy.”

  • Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford upgraded to questionable vs. Wizards

    Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford upgraded to questionable vs. Wizards

    Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford were upgraded to questionable for the 76ers’ contest against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    Joel Embiid also is listed as questionable with left knee injury management and right ankle soreness.

    Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey drops to third in East in All-Star voting; Joel Embiid remains 17th

    Oubre has been sidelined since spraining a left knee ligament against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. Meanwhile, Watford has been out since suffering a strained left thigh muscle vs. the Orlando Magic on Nov. 25.

    Watford was one of the Sixers’ top free-agent additions. The 6-foot-9 point forward provides frontcourt depth while assuming some ballhandling duties.

    The Alabama native is averaging 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games with four starts. He tallied his first career triple-double by finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists on Nov. 8 against the Toronto Raptors.

    The Sixers (19-15) expect Oubre to provide a lift when he returns.

    Before his injury, the 6-8 small forward averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 12 games. In addition to excelling when the ball was moving, Oubre did a solid job of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

    Sixers takeaways: Inexcusable effort, costly turnovers, and more from an overtime loss to the Nuggets

    Embiid is averaging 23.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 17 games this season.

    The Wizards (9-25) will be without Kyshawn George (left hip flexor strain), Corey Kispert (left hamstring injury management), and former Villanova standout Cam Whitmore (deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder).

    Washington won four of its last five games before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, while the Sixers had a three-game winning streak snapped on Monday. The Wizards host the Magic on Tuesday night.

    Sixers forward Trendon Watford is averaging 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games with four starts.
  • The Sixers’ success is dependent on Joel Embiid’s ability to make others better

    The Sixers’ success is dependent on Joel Embiid’s ability to make others better

    When the 76ers walk onto the court, they almost always have the best scorers in Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

    But the Sixers’ best chance to win comes from the effort and aggressiveness of their less-heralded players. If they move the quickest to a loose ball, if they fight the hardest for rebounds, if they work the hardest on defense, maybe it’ll be enough.

    Sixers’ Joel Embiid says he’s feeling more like himself

    And it’s up to Maxey and Embiid to keep others involved on offense by willingly making necessary passes.

    That’s what is happening during the Sixers’ three-game winning streak.

    They had five double-figure scorers in Saturday’s 130-119 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

    But the Sixers started the winning streak off with six double-digit scorers in Tuesday’s 139-136 overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. And the Sixers followed that with five double-figure scorers in their New Year’s Day 123-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

    Embiid had 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks against the Grizzlies, while Maxey had 34 points and 12 assists. The standout point guard came back with 34 points, 10 assists, two steals, and two blocks against the Mavs, while Embiid added 22 points and six assists.

    And on Saturday, Maxey had 36 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and a steal, while Embiid finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to knock off the Knicks (23-12) for the second time this season.

    Sixers center Joel Embiid has to keep VJ Edgecombe involved moving forward.

    Following Thursday’s game, Embiid noted that he was getting back to the dominant player he had been before being derailed by left knee injuries over the past two seasons. Before the injuries, the 2023 league MVP and seven-time All-Star felt like he could score 40 or 50 points every night.

    “I can be more aggressive, but I feel like I’m also smarter,” Embiid said.

    The 7-foot-2 center is starting to do what the team needs instead of looking for his own shot. Concentrating on scoring in previous games this season led to the ball becoming stagnant. As a result, his teammates, primarily VJ Edgecombe, became less impactful.

    Sometimes, the rookie guard rarely touched the ball while Embiid hoisted up shots. But against Memphis, Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in this summer’s draft, scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and sank the game-winning three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime.

    Sixers’ Blue x White scrimmage showcases Joel Embiid’s health and a provocative two-big lineup

    He followed that with 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting to go with a game-high four steals against the Mavs. And on Saturday, Edgecombe jump-started the Sixers’ rout by scoring 18 of his 26 points in the first half.

    The shooting guard has shown off his shooting progress over the past three games, in which he’s made 14 of 25 three-pointers. Previously, Edgecombe was vastly underutilized offensively when Embiid.

    The Sixers also have benefited from staggering Maxey and Embiid, allowing both to be aggressive. The tactic also allows for the offense to run through each player during specific stretches. They’ve also been successful utilizing a twin towers lineup featuring Embiid and Adem Bona at times. In that lineup, Embiid slides to power forward.

    In this pairing, the Sixers incorporate drives to the basket that end with dump-offs to Bona. They also have high-percentage scoring plays, in which Embiid receives the ball at the elbow and dishes it to Bona underneath the basket. Another option is for Embiid to drive the lane and fire to wide-open three-point shooters in the corner.

    Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) is defended by Sixers post players Joel Embiid (21) and forward Adem Bona (30) on Tuesday.

    Bona’s presence helps provide rebounding and rim protection. Meanwhile, Embiid gets to display his shooting and passing skills.

    And for them to continue to win, his passing skills must be on full display. Maxey, who’s the league’s third-leading scorer at 31.0 points per game, can shoulder the load.

    Edgecombe, Paul George, and Quentin Grimes can also help in that category. While he’s going to get his points, Embiid’s focus should be on assisting teammates to get easier shots and making sure there’s constant ball movement.

    At this moment, it would provide the Sixers with opportunities to compete with the league’s elite squads.

    No matter how prolific a scorer Embiid can be, the team’s success is dependent on his ability to create opportunities for others.

  • Kelly Oubre is anxious to return to the Sixers lineup. It won’t be long now.

    Kelly Oubre is anxious to return to the Sixers lineup. It won’t be long now.

    DALLAS — Being relegated to a supportive teammate is tough for Kelly Oubre Jr.

    The 76ers small forward was having a great season before spraining the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks marked the 20th game he has missed since.

    “Just not being able to play basketball,” Oubre said of the most frustrating part of his injury. “Not being able to be with the guys on the court in battle. I’m with them every day, off the court. And I can help and say things that I see.

    “But just being in that motion with the guys is everything that I want. And, you know, just kind of losing that groove a little bit.”

    VJ Edgecombe’s short career is full of milestones. The Sixers think there are more to come.

    The 6-foot-8, 200-pounder is expected to give the Sixers a lift once he returns. Before his injury, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 12 games. In addition to excelling when the ball was moving, he did a solid job of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

    “I think Kelly’s playing arguably his best basketball of his career this year,” coach Nick Nurse said, “so getting that back, the energy, and leadership defensively that he always shows — always plays hard, man. I think that’s definitely needed. He’s got a little bit more size, too.”

    Oubre participated in a live four-on-four scrimmage on Wednesday in Texas. That comes after he partook in a live three-on-three scrimmage on Monday in Memphis.

    “I’m doing a lot of running,” Oubre said. “But I’m also doing a lot of playing now and individual skill work. But, obviously, getting to that five-on-five and that actual live bump where I’m moving around and constantly guarding full court, that’s the next step for me.

    “But other than that, I’m just going off pain management. No pain, you know, but, obviously, I have to get stronger in certain areas and get my wind up again.”

    Sixers Kelly Oubre Jr. has averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in his 12 games played this season.

    Nurse said Tuesday that the Sixers hoped Oubre would play during this road trip. His only chance to do that would be Saturday, when the Sixers conclude the five-game trip against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. But his availability might depend on whether Oubre can get in a five-on-five scrimmage on Friday and how his body responds.

    “I’m getting there,” Oubre said of getting closer to returning. “Every day, we have to take advantage of, I’m getting there.”

    But how close does Oubre think he is to returning?

    “I don’t know,” he said. “I’m just going off what the trainers and the docs say. So for me, I don’t feel any pain, any shortness after workouts, and things like that, which is a good sign. So I take that as a positive and just continue to build from there and get stronger.

    “But I’m leaving it to the docs and the trainers.”

    When he does return, Oubre doesn’t think he’ll have a problem with reintegrating.

    He has yet to play in a game this season with Paul George, who was sidelined for the first 12 games because of left knee injury management. Oubre has only played six games with Joel Embiid.

    Sixers takeaways: Edgecombe steals the show, staggering Embiid and Maxey, and more from OT win vs. Grizzlies

    But Oubre has played with Embiid the past two seasons and with George last season.

    “I played with everybody already,” he said. “They know what I bring, and they know how I play. So, it’s just about finding that footing and that rhythm together again. But I don’t think it’s going to be difficult at all. I try to adapt to whatever my situation is on the court. And everybody, we flow off of each other, and I’m just going to be another piece to the puzzle.”

    And he can’t wait for when that time comes.

  • Sixers takeaways: Edgecombe steals the show, staggering Embiid and Maxey, and more from OT win vs. Grizzlies

    Sixers takeaways: Edgecombe steals the show, staggering Embiid and Maxey, and more from OT win vs. Grizzlies

    MEMPHIS — Tyrese Maxey lives for matchups against other elite guards. And on Tuesday, he and Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star for the Memphis Grizzlies, put on a show.

    But VJ Edgecombe outshone both with the biggest shot of his young career, a game-winning three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime.

    The 76ers might also be on to something when it comes to staggering the playing time of Maxey and Joel Embiid.

    And even though they snapped a three-game skid, Kelly Oubre Jr.‘s impending return will provide a much-needed lift.

    Those things stood out in the Sixers’ 139-136 overtime victory at FedExForum.

    Edgecombe outshines All-Stars

    Edgecombe has a knack for producing in the clutch. And that’s precisely what the third overall pick did to improve the Sixers to 17-14.

    With two defenders on him, Maxey made the right read and passed the ball to Edgecombe. He responded by draining a wide-open 25-footer to give the Sixers a 139-136 lead.

    Coming out of a timeout with 18.3 seconds left, the play was set up for Maxey to get a layup or for Edgecombe to take the shot.

    “My teammates have faith in us to make a play,” Edgecombe said. “And yeah, that’s what happened. They doubled him, and I’m wide-open. I’m shooting it regardless. I don’t care how far out I was, I’m shooting it.”

    The 6-foot-5, 195-pound rookie made 5 of 10 three-pointers to finish with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. Edgecombe scored 13 of his points in the fourth quarter on 5-for-10 shooting — including making 3 of 4 three-pointers.

    His game-winning three was his only basket in overtime.

    VJ Edgecombe hits game-winning three pointer in overtime to give Sixers a 139-136 win over Grizzlies

    “The moment’s never too big for me,” Edgecombe said. “It’s never too big. I was ready, to be honest. I was ready. I barely played the first half because I’m in foul trouble. I’ve got to stop hacking, but that’s how it goes.

    “Like I say, Coach trusted me to make plays, and that’s what I did.”

    Maxey and Embiid were the team’s co-leading scorers. Maxey finished with 34 points and a game-high 12 assists, while Embiid had 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks.

    All-Star battle

    Maxey faced an All-Star point guard for the third time in the last six games. This time, he dominated play until the fourth quarter.

    That’s when Maxey scored just one point on 0-for-3 shooting, while Morant tallied 18 of his game-high 40 points. Morant also outscored Maxey, 6-2, in overtime.

    Maxey started his recent stretch of facing All-Star guards by outplaying New York Knicks two-time selection Jalen Brunson in a 116-107 victory at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 19.

    Tyrese Maxey (right) scored 34 points against Memphis on Tuesday.

    Maxey finished with a game-high 30 points while making 6 of 12 three-pointers to go with nine assists. Brunson finished with 22 points on 7-for-22 shooting — including missing 6 of 7 three-pointers — along with six rebounds and nine assists.

    Then on Sunday, Maxey had mixed results against reigning MVP and three-time All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a 129-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Maxey scored 23 points on 8-for-10 shooting in the first half. However, he was held to just five points in the second half.

    Jared McCain has physically healed. But he’s not rushing the on-court results.

    Maxey, a 2024 All-Star, was held scoreless in the third quarter on 0-for-3 shooting. He scored his five fourth-quarter points on 2-for-5 shooting. Maxey also finished the game with four steals and five turnovers. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander had 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting.

    Maxey loves to see where he stacks up against other elite point guards. And on Tuesday, he showed the 15,668 in attendance why he’s a favorite to be an All-Star starter.

    Creating opportunities to excel

    Embiid was averaging 29 points in his previous four contests entering Tuesday. However, Maxey was out of rhythm, shooting 31.6% in the last two games Embiid played in. At that point, some wondered whether Embiid looking for his own shot took away from Maxey’s game.

    Against the Grizzlies, the Sixers’ substitution pattern enabled both of them to thrive.

    Maxey played the entire first quarter while Embiid was subbed out with 5 minutes, 33 seconds remaining in the quarter. Then Embiid reentered the game at the start of the second quarter, while Maxey was on the bench.

    Sixers mailbag: Are the Sixers better on defense without Joel Embiid?

    Maxey reentered the game at the 6:47 mark of the quarter. The duo spent time on the floor together before Embiid was subbed out with 3:07 remaining in the half. He came back 27 seconds later as the pair closed out the half.

    The Sixers staggered the duo similarly for the remainder of the game. And Embiid and Maxey both benefited.

    The team also took some of the rebounding and rim-protection duties off Embiid by going to a double-big lineup several times, featuring him and Adem Bona.

    “There was a bunch of stuff going on tonight,” coach Nick Nurse said. “I think Bona was the first sub off the bench, and that was more because of the speed they have. They just play fast. They’re just running around 100 mph the whole game. They sub pretty freely.

    “As you saw at the start of the game, it almost shocked us, the speed of what was happening. We couldn’t even get back, get set up, and follow cutters. It was just happening fast. I was trying to stay a little bit speedier with that. I kind of liked Bona’s presence out there, so that was a chance to play him and Joel together a little bit at the four and five, which I really thought really looked good tonight.”

    Joel Embiid scored 34 points against the Grizzlies on Tuesday.

    Providing rim protection, Bona blocked two shots and finished with four points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

    “Back to your question [on Embiid and Maxey], we were working hard at trying to figure out who was in and who was out as far as staggering those guys to keep them going,” Nurse said. “It looked pretty decent tonight. There were a couple of segments when only one was out there, but not very many. Just a short segment of that.”

    Oubre’s expected lift

    This marked the 18th game that Oubre missed since spraining the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. Before his injury, the 6-8 small forward was the Sixers’ X factor.

    Oubre’s averages of 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals took a backseat to the Sixers’ backcourt pairing of Maxey and Edgecombe in the first 12 games. But Oubre excelled when the ball was moving, and did a solid job of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

    The Sixers could have used him against the Grizzlies and during the first two stops of their five-game road trip. They have two more games on the trip and are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday and conclude against the New York Knicks on Saturday.

    Oubre and sidelined reserve power forward Trendon Watford participated in a live three-on-three scrimmage on Monday. It was the first on-court scrimmaging for both players.

    Sixers coach Nick Nurse (right) calls to his players in the first half of Tuesday’s game in Memphis.

    Nurse hopes Oubre returns at some point during the trip.

    “I think it’s possible,” he said. “But, again, that was their first kind of live three-on-three yesterday. And you know, see how quick it goes. See how quick we can get them back on the floor again.”

    Oubre participated in an individual on-court workout before Tuesday’s matchup.

    “Probably get some more live action [Wednesday],” Nurse said,” and then we’ll see where they are at.”

    Nurse is excited to get Oubre back.

    “I think Kelly’s playing arguably his best basketball of his career this year,” Nurse said, “so, getting that back, the energy and leadership defensively that he always shows — always plays hard man. I think that’s definitely needed. He’s got a little bit more size, too.”

    Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey among leaders in All-Star fan voting; two key players participate in practice

    Regarding a key role, Nurse said the jury is still out on Watford. The Sixers haven’t seen much of him, as the free-agent acquisition has played in just 14 games. Meanwhile, Paul George will likely slide back to power forward once Oubre returns. In that scenario, Dominick Barlow would be the backup power forward. Reserve forward Jabari Walker has also been solid for the Sixers.

    “Where he would slot back in, he’s going to probably have to earn that back in there, not unlike the other guys coming back off injury,” Nurse said of Watford. “I think it’s a bit of a process, usually.

    “I think Kelly kind of has a game that just translates. As he’s healthy, he’ll get out there and scrap, play hard, rebound, and defend. Whether he’s scoring or not, that can come a little bit later, if it does or whatever, but it is still a process working.”

  • Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey among leaders in All-Star fan voting; two key players participate in practice

    Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey among leaders in All-Star fan voting; two key players participate in practice

    MEMPHIS — For the 76ers, Monday was a day of receiving great news.

    Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford participated in practice at FedEx Forum as part of their reintegration into team activities. While the Sixers were on the court, the league announced that Tyrese Maxey was second in the Eastern Conference and fourth overall in the initial fan voting returns for the NBA All-Star Game.

    “I appreciate it,” Maxey said of the fans’ recognition. “Hopefully, it kind of shows us how we started out the season, winning some games. I don’t know what seed we are at right now, but trending in the right direction. We are in a little skid now. But at the beginning of the season, we did a good job of winning games. I think that’s a testimony to that.”

    Rookie VJ Edgecombe knows he can score. He still defers to the Sixers’ Big Three.

    The East’s sixth-place Sixers (16-14) head into Tuesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies with a season-high three-game losing streak. After starting the season 4-0, they have gone 12-14. But the one constant has been Maxey, the league’s third-leading scorer at 30.7 points per game.

    “For me personally, I think my talent level has been shown in the NBA,” he said. “I think it’s growing. But for me, it’s winning games. That’s what shows like a big gap, a big difference, and a big talent level: impact on your team. When you have that type of impact, when you can help your team win games, that’s what I want to be known for.”

    Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Dončić is the league’s top vote-getter with 1,249,518 votes, while Milwaukee Bucks forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the East at 1,192,296. Maxey has 1,072,449 votes.

    Fans account for 50% of the vote to determine the 10 starters for the All-Star Game, which will be played on Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. A media panel and NBA players will each account for 25% of the vote. This season, All-Stars are being selected regardless of position.

    Under a new format, two teams of U.S. players and one team of international players (the World team) will compete in a round-robin tournament featuring four 12-minute games.

    “It would be cool,” Maxey said of being voted an All-Star starter. “I watched Joel [Embiid] start in an All-Star Game before. It was actually really cool to be out there and watch him. So if I’m blessed with the opportunity, I definitely won’t take it for granted.

    Joel Embiid (left) was an All-Star starter for Team LeBron in 2023.

    “You never know how many opportunities you get like that. Hopefully, I get to watch VJ [Edgecombe] and probably Jared [McCain] on Friday [Feb. 13 in the Rising Stars competition]. So we’ll see.”

    Embiid, who’s 17th in the voting (102,017), is the only other Sixer among the top 20 vote-getters in the East.

    The second voting update will be on Jan. 6. Fan voting concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 14.

    Oubre (sprained left knee ligament) and Watford (strained left thigh muscle) will remain sidelined when the Sixers face the Grizzlies, while Embiid (sprained right ankle) is listed as questionable. But Oubre and Watford made their most significant strides in their return-to-play program on Monday.

    After practice, both players stayed to participate in individual workouts. Oubre even did wind sprints on the court.

    The 6-foot-7 swingman has been sidelined since suffering his knee sprain against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. Watford, a 6-9 point forward, has been out since suffering his injury against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 25.

    “Right now, I consider myself day to day,” Watford said when asked if he expects to return at some point during the final three games of the Sixers’ five-game road trip.

    Why are the Sixers winless with their Big Three? A lack of rhythm.

    After facing the Grizzlies (15-17), the Sixers will play the Dallas Mavericks on New Year’s Day at American Airlines Center before concluding the trip on Saturday against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

    “I was able to get some halfcourt in,” Watford said Monday. “The next step is getting some full-court in and seeing how I respond from there. But I feel good, but now, it’s on the team to clear these last two checkpoints.”

    If he does some full-court workouts on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, there’s a chance Watford could return as early as Thursday against the Mavs.

    Watford was one of the team’s top free-agent additions this summer. He provides frontcourt depth, and the Sixers also signed him to take over some of the ballhandling duties. The Alabama native, who is in his fifth season in the NBA, showed he’s more than capable while collecting 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists for his first career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 8. He averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games with four starts.

    “Luckily, I was able to play a good amount … before I did get hurt,” he said. “I was able to get a good rhythm with the team and play with the guys. But it’s unfortunate. But it could always be worse, and I could be sitting up there for the rest of the season.

    “So thank God I’m not, and I get to get back out there with the guys and get back to helping the team.”

  • Joel Embiid will miss Sixers’ matchup against Oklahoma City due to a sprained ankle

    Joel Embiid will miss Sixers’ matchup against Oklahoma City due to a sprained ankle

    OKLAHOMA CITY — Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Sunday’s afternoon game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center with a sprained right ankle and right-knee injury management.

    The 76ers center has been dealing with right knee issues since early November, which led to him missing nine consecutive games earlier in the season.

    However, Embiid’s absence from the Thunder game should not come as a surprise. The 7-foot-2, 280-pounder usually doesn’t play with less than two days in between games. He played in Friday’s 109-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls. So, according to his regular schedule, Embiid wouldn’t play again until at least Tuesday.

    Sixers center Joel Embiid will miss Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City due to a sprained ankle.

    Embiid is averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He finished with 31 points and five rebounds in the road loss to the Bulls.

    He’s already missed 16 of the Sixers’ 29 games this season.

    Sixers takeaways: Bulls target Joel Embiid’s defense, Tyrese Maxey’s offense in 109-102 loss

    Embiid isn’t the only Sixer who will miss the game. Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) will remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Paul George (left knee injury management) is probable.

    The defending NBA champion Thunder have the league’s best record of 26-5. They’re also 14-1 at home.

  • The Sixers tip off a pivotal road trip against the Chicago Bulls

    The Sixers tip off a pivotal road trip against the Chicago Bulls

    CHICAGO — The 76ers are an enigma.

    There’s no other way to describe the franchise as it has yet to answer several critical questions nine weeks into the season.

    It’s easy to point out that the Big Three of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George have only played three games together. And that they’re winless in those games after Tuesday’s 114-106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    Sixers takeaways: Winless with their Big Three, Joel Embiid injury scare, and more from loss to Nets

    Bombarded with injuries and illness, the Sixers have yet to play with a full roster. But they’re 16-12 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers are 1½ games behind the third-place Boston Celtics, whom they defeated twice this season. And their signature win was Dec. 19’s 116-107 road victory over the second-place — and NBA Cup champion — New York Knicks.

    But with offseason uncertainty surrounding Embiid and George following left knee surgeries, the safe preseason projection for the Sixers was the NBA Play-In Tournament.

    The uncertainty surrounding Sixers center Joel Embiid at the beginning of the season has worn off as the longtime center settles in following offseason knee surgery.

    We may get a better idea of how good they are during the upcoming post-Christmas, five-game road trip. The Sixers open the road trip on Friday against the Chicago Bulls, who are riding the conference’s longest winning streak at four games despite having a 14-15 record.

    Then, on Sunday, they face the defending NBA champions and the best team this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder. After facing the Thunder (26-5), the Sixers will play the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday and the Dallas Mavericks on New Year’s Day. They’ll conclude the five-game trip with a rematch against the Knicks (21-9) on Jan. 3.

    Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey had 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 113-111 victory over the Sixers on Nov. 4.

    Like the Bulls, the Grizzlies (14-16) and Mavericks have shown recent improvement. Dallas (12-20) is 7-5 after opening the season 5-15. The Mavs also won their last five home games.

    “It will be a good test to play some really good teams,” George said of the road trip. “It will for sure be a test for us. But we’ve been playing great basketball, despite this loss [Tuesday night to the struggling Nets],”

    Before that loss, the Sixers had won six of eight games, with their two losses coming to the Los Angeles Lakers (Dec. 7) and Atlanta Hawks (Dec. 14).

    “So we’re playing pretty good basketball,” George said. “[Tuesday] was one of those nights we were a little bit flat. And we’ll pick up the pieces and keep it moving.”

    Sixers waive rookie two-way guard Hunter Sallis to sign MarJon Beauchamp

    But George doesn’t see this as a defining road trip because the Sixers still don’t have their full complement of players.

    Embiid is not expected to play in every game of this road trip because of management of injuries to both knees and soreness. Kelly Oubre Jr. (LCL sprain in his left knee) and Trendon Watford (adductor strain in his left thigh) remain sidelined. And VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Quentin Grimes were sidelined against the Nets (9-19) with illnesses.

    Embiid, Edgecombe, Barlow, and Grimes are listed as questionable for Friday’s game

    “As far as defining us, it’s still early,” George said. “We’re playing good basketball. Our record doesn’t indicate how well and challenging it’s been. We haven’t had a full roster at any point this season. Whether I’ve been down to start the season, myself and [Watford]. I come back, Kelly goes down. You know, Joel has been injured. Tyrese has been sick.

    “So we really haven’t had a full roster. So it’s hard to tell what we are, who we can be.”

    Sixers standout rookie VJ Edgecombe missed Tuesday’s game with an illness.

    But the Sixers are eager to avenge their 113-111 loss to the Bulls on Nov. 4 at the United Center, when they blew a 24-point lead.

    The Sixers relied heavily on Maxey and Embiid, either in the two-man game or in one-on-one situations, that night. The problem was that neither player could get anything going down the stretch, as the Sixers missed their final 11 shots from the floor.

    Maxey finished with a game-high 39 points. However, he had eight points on 2-for-8 shooting in the fourth quarter. Embiid was worse. He was held scoreless on 0-for-5 shooting in the frame. That came after he scored two points on 1-for-5 shooting in the third period, and he finished with 20 points on 7-for-21 shooting.

    The Bulls went ahead 113-111 on Nikola Vučević’s game-winning three-pointer with 3.2 seconds left. It was their only lead of the game.

    The Sixers must maximize everyone’s talent and move the ball if they expect to be competitive. They must also find a way to contain Josh Giddey, who had 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in that meeting. The guard is averaging 16.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in the last five games against the Sixers, along with that triple-double.

    Chicago Bulls and former Sixers center Nikola Vučević has consistently been a strong contributor against his former team.

    Meanwhile, Vučević has tallied five double-doubles and one triple-double across his last 10 games against his former team. In addition to containing the duo, the Sixers will look to snap a three-game series losing streak.

    They also believe this 10-day road trip will benefit team growth.

    The trip will “get us out of our home market and be with each other on the plane, on the team bus, at the hotel, like, actually get a chance to do a few things together, too,” Andre Drummond said. “We have a couple of days in between games, too. So I know we’ll set up some team activities and really continue that bonding experience that we’re feeling right now.”

    And we may get a better idea of how competitive the Sixers are, even while being undermanned.

    ‘This is who he is’: High-flying rookie VJ Edgecombe has exceeded Sixers’ expectations
  • Sixers mailbag: Does Tyrese Maxey have a legitimate case to be a top-10 NBA player?

    Sixers mailbag: Does Tyrese Maxey have a legitimate case to be a top-10 NBA player?

    ATLANTA — The 76ers headed into State Farm Arena on Sunday evening looking to continue their ascension in the Eastern Conference.

    Didn’t happen.

    They suffered a 120-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, dropping to 14-11 and seventh in the standings.

    However, the East remains tight and the Sixers were in fourth place before the game, a half-game behind the third-place Boston Celtics, who take a 15-10 record into Monday’s game against the first-place Detroit Pistons. A victory over the Hawks (15-12) would have also given the Sixers five wins in six games since suffering a 142-134 double-overtime loss to the Hawks on Nov. 30 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    The Sixers now have a couple of days of practice before resuming play this weekend. At that point, we’ll see if they can get back to winning.

    But for the time being, here are some answers to a few of your mailbag questions.

    Missed out on the party? No worries. Submit questions for next time by tweeting @PompeyOnSixers to X with the hashtag #PompeysMailbagFlow.

    Q: Do you think Tyrese Maxey has a legitimate case for being considered a top 10 player in the NBA? — @Hector394888836

    A: Thanks for starting the mailbag, Hector! And yes, Maxey definitely has a legitimate case for being considered a top-10 player in the NBA.

    So far, the point guard is having one of the best seasons in franchise history. That’s a statement in itself, considering the Sixers’ storied history.

    Maxey is third in the league in scoring at 31.5 points per game behind Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Dončić (35.0) and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.4). Maxey finished with a career-high 54 points and nine assists in an overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 20. He and Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain are the only players in franchise history with at least 50 points and nine assists in a game.

    Tyrese Maxey driving past the Wizards’ Will Riley on Dec. 2.

    Maxey’s 54-point effort in a game ranked second this season heading into Sunday’s contests. James Harden (Nov. 22), Nikola Jokic (Nov. 12), and Gilgeous-Alexander (Oct. 23) have scored 55 points in a game.

    In addition to his scoring prowess, Maxey is fourth in the league in three-pointers made (84) and ninth in assist average (7.2).

    There are a lot of outstanding guards in this league, including Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Devon Booker. But one can argue that Maxey has been the league’s third-best guard behind Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander so far this season. And that should speak volumes, considering that SGA is the reigning MVP and Dončić is this season’s MVP front-runner. That’s why he has a legitimate case.

    Q: What would you do with Joel Embiid and Paul George’s playing time to provide the best chance of having them ready for the playoffs? Or would you try to trade one of them, and if so, for whom? — @Eaglesdynasty25

    A: Embiid and George both had a great game during Friday’s 115-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid’s 39 points marked his highest regular-season scoring output since scoring a franchise-best 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 22, 2024. Meanwhile, George finished with season highs of 23 points and five assists to go with six rebounds.

    Sixers center Joel Embiid scored 39 points against the Pacers on Friday.

    Then on Sunday, George finished with a season-high 35 points while making 7 of 10 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Embiid finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks to post his first double-double of the season.

    Embiid and George are getting more minutes as they ramp up getting in shape while managing left knee injuries. Some believe taking it easy is the best way to ensure that they’ll be healthy for the postseason. However, they need valuable playing time with their teammates to build chemistry. That will also allow the coaching staff to see what works.

    So I would play them alongside Maxey whenever possible, rather than looking to trade one of them. You have to see how they mesh with teammates and how successful they can be before entertaining that thought.

    Q: When is Kelly Oubre Jr. coming back? Who do they start between him and [Dominick] Barlow if the other four starters are VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid? — @n_nutzilla

    A: The Sixers have been playing it close to the vest regarding Oubre’s return from a left knee ligament sprain. The small forward has been sidelined for four weeks since suffering the injury in a 115-104 road loss to the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 14. The recovery time for a mild Grade 1 lateral collateral ligament sprain takes one to four weeks. A Grade 2 sprain (moderate) typically takes four to 12 weeks to heal, while a Grade 3 sprain (severe/complete tear) may take three to six months to recover fully.

    Oubre was reevaluated last week. Asked Sunday whether there was an update on Oubre’s status, coach Nick Nurse said he didn’t have one.

    “Nothing new,” he said. “He’s out there walking around a bit. He’s on the court a bit. I’m hoping there’s some. … It looks like there’s some progress there. And just like you, I want him out there ASAP and then back.”

    Oubre participated in his first on-court individualized workout before Sunday’s game. The workout consisted of light shooting.

    Sixers forward Dominick Barlow during the victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

    If it’s a Grade 1 sprain and everything goes well, one would assume he could be back as early as one of the Sixers’ upcoming games. They’ll face the New York Knicks on Friday at Madison Square Garden before hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

    But Oubre has yet to practice with the team. One would think he’d have to be cleared to practice this week to play against the Knicks or Mavs. If not, his return is expected to take longer.

    Regarding the starting lineup, I keep going back and forth between Oubre and Barlow as the fifth starter. Both have played great and deserve to be in the lineup. Last week, I said Oubre, George, Embiid, Edgecombe, and Maxey would make up my starters. Barlow would be the seventh man behind Quentin Grimes.

    I’m starting to change my mind. That’s because I feel Barlow’s rebounding is an asset to begin games alongside Embiid. I also think that George might have an easier time guarding small forwards on the perimeter than power forwards in the post.

    Kelly Oubre Jr. is recovering from a sprained knee ligament.

    But Oubre had been the Sixers’ X factor before his injury. He’s had success guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player and plays well off the other starters. That’s why he deserves to start. However, I’m beginning to think Barlow might be the right choice. In that scenario, Oubre would be the sixth man while playing starter’s minutes.

    Oubre has several steps to take before returning to action.