The Philadelphia 76ers, following a three-game losing streak, have bounced back with three consecutive wins in nationally televised games, the latest being a 126-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Despite the return of Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ depth has been tested due to a series of injuries. This situation has led to a reshuffling of the rotation, with players like Patrick Beverley, Kelly Oubre Jr., Marcus Morris Sr., Paul Reed, and Mo Bamba stepping into more prominent roles.
By Aubree Ross
Dealing with Injuries
The Sixers’ rotation has been hit hard by injuries. Robert Covington has been out for the entire 2024 season so far due to a knee injury. De’Anthony Melton is set to miss at least two more games due to a lumbar spine stress response. Additionally, Jaden Springer and Danuel House Jr. have been sidelined due to ankle and back injuries, respectively. Mo Bamba has also missed games due to a fat pad impingement in his knee.
Kelly Oubre Jr.’s Role
Kelly Oubre Jr. has been Coach Nick Nurse’s first choice to replace Melton in the starting lineup. While Oubre has shown defensive prowess, his offensive consistency has been a concern. He shot just 18% from three in his last four games, and his performance in the third quarter against the Nuggets was notably poor, leading to Nurse replacing him with Patrick Beverley for the remainder of the game.
Patrick Beverley’s Impact
Patrick Beverley has been a reliable defensive presence for the Sixers. Since the first 16 games of the season, where he shot just 13% from three, Beverley has improved to shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three-point range. His ability to adapt and provide energy to the second unit has been crucial for the team.
Marcus Morris Sr. and Paul Reed
Marcus Morris Sr., fresh off receiving the key to the city, has been on a hot streak from three-point range, shooting 50% in his last four games. Paul Reed, like Bamba, has bounced back just in time for Embiid’s return. Reed’s performance against the Kings, where he grabbed eight rebounds and blocked three shots, was particularly impactful.
The Sixers’ bench has shown resilience and adaptability in the face of injury challenges. Players like Beverley, Oubre Jr., Morris Sr., Reed, and Bamba have stepped up, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the team. As the Sixers navigate through these injuries, the contributions from their bench will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and positioning in the league. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and perform in marquee games is a testament to their depth and the coaching staff’s strategic adjustments.