There are several questions surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers as the 2025-26 season fast approaches. The main questions, of course. Involves the health of Joel Embiid and Paul George? Thus, the begging question of who is next up, if Embiid and George are unable to go on opening night and beyond?
Sixers Counting On A Trio of Athletic Youngsters To Solidify Rotation In Early Going
Philadelphia is 0-3 in the preseason, having been outscored by a league-worst 18 points a game. While this wasn’t unexpected, given the Sixers are severely undermanned, it is still disappointing. Six Sixers have not played this preseason, while only 10 have appeared in all three exhibitions.
Philadelphia’s biggest issue has been offensively. The 76ers have failed to hit the century mark in two of the three games, with 104 points against New York in its second matchup in Abu Dhabi being their highest output. Not surprisingly, the Sixers have been the worst offensive team in the preseason, compiling 95.3 points while shooting just 39.2% from the field and 22.2% from the 3-point line. They have also compiled fewer than 20 assists per contest.
Tyrese Maxey leads four players in double-figures and has been solid this preseason, compiling 15.7 points in 18 minutes of action. Maxey has been getting to the basket and has knocked down six treys. Kennedy Chandler, VJ Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr. are the others who have produced double-figures.
When Could Joel Embiid Return To The Court?
Besides Embiid and George, Jared McClain, Trendon Watford, Kyle Lowry, and Quentin Grimes have yet to play this exhibition season. Speaking of Embiid, the 7-footer was healthy enough to take part in Sunday’s Blue x White scrimmage at Chase Fieldhouse. Embiid also courted for a lengthy session of 1-on-1 drills against Kelly Oubre Jr., VJ Edgecombe, Maxey, George, and others, per Matthew De George of The Delaware County Daily Times.
Embiid is nursing his knee to health, though Nick Nurse said yesterday that he could possibly play in the Sixers’ preseason final on Friday against Minnesota.
“I think there’s some chance, yeah,” Nurse said after a practice yesterday at the 76ers training facility. “I don’t think we’re there yet. It’s a little early in the week to decide. But I think it still could go either way. We’ve got some thresholds to get over yet before we get to that point.”
Obviously, Embiid getting on the floor on Friday would be fantastic news for the Sixers. Even if he is not able to play in the final exhibition contest, the 31-year-old center could still play in the season opener.
‘Based on Embiid’s performance in the scrimmage, he’s capable of playing on opening night,” But his status will ultimately depend on whether he’s ready to return. The 2023 league MVP and seven-time All-Star looked good in his role as a facilitator on Sunday. He also showcased his trademark jumper and delivered a crowd-pleasing two-handed dunk.”
“But last week, the Sixers said Embiid had boxes to check before playing in a game,” Pompey added. “The standout center has also said that he doesn’t want to rush back.”
Update on Quentin Grimes and Paul George Among Others
Embiid wasn’t the only player who participated in the 76ers scrimmage, as Quentin Grimes also played. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Grimes said he expects to play against the Timberwolves on Friday.
“He’s, in my estimation, probably better conditioned than I assumed he would be,” Nurse said about Grimes’ conditioning. “I don’t see really any issues there. But he looks the same: He’s explosive, he’s shooting it, he’s playing hard at both ends, he’s scoring the ball. So it looks pretty good, not nearly as far behind as I thought he would be.”
Grimes has been working his way back into playing shape after entering camp late while trying to leverage the Sixers into a huge contract. He is expected to have a significant role with the Sixers, but will likely start the season coming off the bench.
Grimes played extremely well since coming over from Dallas at the trade deadline. However, his numbers with the Sixers were likely a little inflated. Still, he is an excellent 3-point shooter who knocks down 2.9 threes at a 37.4%.
If Grimes Doesn’t Start, Who Will Get The Nod at Shooting Guard?
Grimes, coming off the bench, could help stabilize Philadelphia’s second unit. The Sixers decided to balance Embiid and George’s injury and age by getting younger. The Sixers, who do have an open roster spot, are projected to be slightly younger — average of 27.5 — compared to a year ago (28.3).
With Grimes coming off the bench, that likely means that Edgecombe will start alongside Maxey in the backcourt. Edgecombe is ultra-athletic and has shown glimpses of his playmaking and defensive ability in the preseason. But his jumper still needs work, and he sat out the Sixers’ third game with a hip injury.
“While things could change, I think it’s trending that way,” Pompey responded when asked about Edgecombe starting. “Nurse and the Sixers players have raved over the play of the third pick in June’s draft throughout training camp. Nurse has even stated that he wants Edgecombe and standout point guard Tyrese Maxey to “spend a lot of time [on the court] together just to develop the chemistry.”
George Not Likely To Be Ready To Start Season
George is still recovering from July’s knee surgery, though he has practiced the past two days. Kyle Neuback of PHLY Sports reported Embiid and George both participated in “most of practice today” on Wednesday. Neuback added that George took part in some 3-0n-3 action.
While participating in 3-on-3 is promising, George hasn’t yet played in a full-court scrimmage.
“Regarding George, I would rule him out of playing in the season opener,” Pompey said. “Sixers coach Nick Nurse even said on Sunday, ‘I think there’s kind of an open position at the four, especially right now with Paul not being quite ready yet.’
If George isn’t ready to start the season, Dominick Barlow is the most likely player to start at power forward, tweeted The Athletic’s Tony Jones. Barlow is on a two-way, though he is a candidate to fill the team’s 15th roster spot when they decide to do so.
“Dom Barlow has probably been the eye opener of Sixers camp so far…..came in late in summer league as a two-way, and if the right people don’t make it back in 12 days, he might be your opening night starting power forward,” Jones said a few days ago.
Barlow, who has 95 NBA games of experience, has been impressive during the preseason, showing off his athleticism and offensive versatility. The 22-year-old forward averages 8.0 points and 7.0 rebounds a game this preseason. Even when George returns, he should still be part of the Sixers’ second unit at least until Watford returns.
Adem Bona, Favorite For Backup Center Job?
Speaking of the second unit, which Grimes should anchor, will also feature Jared McCain and Trendon Watford (when both are healthy). Barlow and either Adem Bona or Andre Drummond are also expected to be part of the 76ers’ main reserves. Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and perhaps Justin Edwards figure to get some regular run at least until the Sixers get healthy. Edwards has struggled mightily this preseason.
Bona and Drummond should both get plenty of playing time, with Embiid likely limited in terms of minutes and games this year. But Pompey noted in a separate story that Bona has emerged this month as the team’s likely backup center behind Embiid, having started all three preseason games so far.
Bona had a solid rookie season, appearing in 58 games, and is one of the 76ers’ top interior defensive players. While limited offensively, he excels on the offensive glass and as a rim-protector. He also moves well and is a solid all-around defender. However, defensive rebounding and foul trouble are issues for the big man.
There is also a possibility that Bona will not only start some games and play plenty of meaningful minutes, but he could also play alongside Embiid.
“The Sixers believe Adem Bona will help provide rebounding and rim protection in their Twin Towers lineup,” Pompey tweeted on Monday. “Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, who, along with Nikola Jokić, is one of the league’s Top 2 centers, gets to display his shooting and passing skills.”
Other Injury Updates
Jared McCain: McCain has been out of commission since undergoing thumb surgery on September 30. McCain, who is doing some conditioning work, will be re-evaluated near the end of the month and get a playing brace to replace the one he currently has, according to Adam Aaronson of The PhillyVoice. The current timeline for his return to the floor is Nov. 8.
Trendon Watford: Watford has been dealing with a hamstring issue since early in training camp, and Nurse recently said that he is a ways from returning to the court.
Kyle Lowry: Lowry has not played this preseason to save his 39-year-old body. Therefore, he will be ready to go for the season opener, though it is unlikely he will see a ton of court time. He only appeared in 35 games for the Sixers in 2024-25.
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