Coming off a 114-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Philadelphia 76ers will continue to see some key players on the injury report heading into their next matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. While vital pieces such as VJ Edgecombe and Jared McCain have been removed from the list of injured players, new additions could raise some concerns.
76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. has been added to the injury list after reportedly sustaining a ligament injury during the game against the Pistons. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey shed more light on this, writing, “Oubre underwent medical imaging this weekend and will meet with a specialist to determine the extent of the injury.”
The timeline for such injuries varies significantly. Depending on the severity, Oubre Jr. could miss 3-12 weeks, with surgery potentially becoming necessary.
The forward has become an integral part of the 76ers’ starting unit. With averages of 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting 48.9% from the field, he has been a significant contributor.
Oubre Jr.’s absence will certainly be felt heading into Monday night’s matchup. However, there appears to be some positive news amid this update.
Pompey noted that Paul George could be on the verge of making his season debut after recovering from knee surgery. With the forward reportedly wearing a blue practice jersey during a recent workout, which is usually reserved for starters, there appears to be some optimism about his return to the lineup.
Updates on George’s health have been rather sporadic. Although it was expected that the superstar would be re-evaluated by training camp, it is evident that there have been some roadblocks on his road to recovery. Regardless, the forward could be nearing a comeback as his availability was upgraded to a game-time decision.
This could be a positive sign for the 76ers, especially in light of Oubre Jr.’s absence. While George will take some time to get his feet back under him, having averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 43.0% shooting from the field last season, he could be an impactful presence on the floor for Philadelphia.
The 76ers’ Face Shortfalls In The Frontcourt
Aside from Oubre Jr. and George, Philadelphia is expected to have two more players grace the injury report.
76ers superstar Joel Embiid remains on the list of injured players heading into Monday night’s game. While still experiencing knee soreness, the big man is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game since making his last appearance against the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 8.
Joining Embiid as a recent addition, Adem Bona will miss Monday night’s game with a sprained right ankle. According to Pompey, he is expected to miss the next three games.
Even in a limited capacity, Bona has been quite impactful on the defensive end. With averages of 2.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, shooting 45.0% from the field, the 76ers will miss his impact with the second unit.
With a shorthanded frontcourt rotation heading into the game against the Clippers, Philadelphia will be forced to rely upon Andre Drummond, Dominick Barlow, and Trendon Watford to stabilize the interior.
