| News |
|---|
|
Joel Embiid Nurse: âSome chance' Embiid plays on Friday
Tue, Oct 14, 2025, 8:42 AM
Adam Aaronson
According to Sixers reporter Adam Aaronson, Nick Nurse said there is âsome chanceâ Joel Embiid plays in Friday's preseason finale against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Nurse mentions some âthresholdsâ that Embiid needs to clear before that decision is made, but the possibility of him playing is an encouraging update. It appears Embiid is still on track to play in the regular season opener against the Celtics on October 22, but fantasy managers will need to remain vigilant in tracking his status. |
|
Dominick Barlow Dominick Barlow records 12 points, nine rebounds
Fri, Oct 10, 2025, 3:54 PM
Dominick Barlow finished Friday's loss to the Magic with 12 points (4-of-10 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds and one steal.
Analysis: Barlow is on a two-way contract, but the 76ers' many absences have allowed him to start three preseason games. He's taken advantage of the opportunities, stepping up as an active rebounder and defender. Two-way contract recipients can be active for up to 50 games, so the 76ers will have some time to evaluate Barlow. But with his play during the preseason, it's fair to wonder if there's a path to legitimate rotation minutes. |
|
Tyrese Maxey Tyrese Maxey scores 17 first-quarter points
Fri, Oct 10, 2025, 3:37 PM
Tyrese Maxey finished Friday's loss to the Magic with 17 points (7-of-14 FGs), two assists and three three-pointers.
Analysis: Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. (12/5/2/2/1 with one three-pointer) were the only projected starters available for Friday's game, and the latter only played the first quarter. That's all the time Maxey needed to show he's ready for the regular season, and he may have to do more heavy lifting than usual if Joel Embiid and Paul George aren't available. As for Oubre, he was solid in his 18 minutes and should provide late-round value in standard leagues, especially with Jared McCain likely to miss the start of the season. |
|
Trendon Watford Trendon Watford (hamstring) remains sidelined
Wed, Oct 8, 2025, 10:42 AM
Kyle Neubeck
Trendon Watford (hamstring) remains sidelined and will not play in Friday's exhibition game against the Magic.
Analysis: Watford, who agreed to a two-year deal with the 76ers this summer, has yet to practice due to a left hamstring injury. According to PHLY's Kyle Neubeck, imaging of the hamstring revealed no structural damage and the forward is working toward a return to the court within the next week. While Watford does not project to be an impactful fantasy option, his ability to serve as a secondary playmaker at the four could benefit the 76ers' bench unit once he's cleared to play. |
|
Joel Embiid Embiid practices Wednesday, participates in 5-on-5
Wed, Oct 8, 2025, 8:01 AM
Keith Pompey
Joel Embiid practiced on Wednesday and participated in five-on-five activity.
Analysis: Embiid appears to be on track to play in the regular season opener, even if he hasn't participated in the preseason yet. Paul George was able to do some individual work, and the plan is to integrate him into team work in the coming days, per Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer. There's still not much clarity on either's status, but things appear to be on track. |
|
Andre Drummond Andre Drummond bounces back, grabs 10 rebounds
Sat, Oct 4, 2025, 8:15 AM
Andre Drummond tallied four points (2-of-2 FGs), 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal in Saturday's exhibition loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: Ineffective in the eight minutes he played on Thursday, Drummond was far more active two days later. While he did not do much scoring, the 10 rebounds and one steal were indicators of a better performance. Adem Bona (2/1/0/1/1) played 20 minutes as Joel Embiid's replacement in the starting lineup and appears ticketed for the backup center role. However, he did not perform well enough in Abu Dhabi to clearly separate himself from Drummond. While this isn't a huge position battle for fantasy purposes, the winner will likely have streaming opportunities due to Embiid's injury history. |
|
Kelly Oubre Kelly Oubre Jr. records 10/3/4/2/1 line vs. NYK
Sat, Oct 4, 2025, 8:11 AM
Kelly Oubre Jr. recorded 10 points (5-of-12 FGs, 1-of-4 FTs), three rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in Saturday's exhibition loss to the 76ers.
Analysis: While Oubre only shot 2-of-8 from the field in Thursday's preseason opener, he recorded a complete stat line. The Tsunami Papi's versatility was again on display Saturday, and he shot the ball better from the field. Oubre was an uncharacteristically poor 1-of-4 from the foul line, but that should not generate too much concern. Even with a healthy Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid in the fold, fantasy managers should avoid undervaluing Oubre. He's worth the risk as a late-round pick, even in standard league drafts. |
|
Tyrese Maxey Tyrese Maxey sinks three three-pointers vs. NYK
Sat, Oct 4, 2025, 8:08 AM
Tyrese Maxey accounted for 16 points (4-of-10 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), two rebounds, two assists, one steal and three three-pointers in Saturday's exhibition loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: After playing 23 minutes in Thursday's preseason opener, Maxey logged 18 on Saturday. There isn't much mystery to what the 76ers point guard can do, but adding VJ Edgecombe (14/6/3 with one three-pointer) could change things for Maxey if they start alongside each other. Edgecombe has the athleticism and handle needed to make things happen within the halfcourt, giving Maxey more opportunities to play off the ball. That's one way to alleviate any wear and tear concerns as Philadelphia looks to keep its stars as healthy as possible. |
|
Adem Bona Adem Bona plays 14 minutes in preseason start
Thu, Oct 2, 2025, 8:53 AM
Adem Bona accounted for four points (2-of-3 FGs), two rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in Thursday's loss to the Knicks.
Analysis: With Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined, Thursday's exhibition was Bona's most recent audition for the right to serve as the 2023 MVP's backup once the regular season begins. Early foul trouble was an issue for the 6-foot-10 Bona, who may have played a bit more had he not picked up two fouls in the first quarter. Andre Drummond (two points and three rebounds) only played eight minutes, but he's a far more proven option than the second-year post out of UCLA. Bona's energy and athleticism may give him the upper hand in the competition for the backup center role, which has some streaming value due to Embiid's injury history. But he must avoid the silly fouls to make good on that upside. |
|
Tyrese Maxey Tyrese Maxey plays 23 minutes in preseason opener
Thu, Oct 2, 2025, 8:51 AM
Tyrese Maxey finished Thursday's loss to the Knicks with 14 points (5-of-12 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one blocked shot.
Analysis: Maxey played into the second half of Thursday's preseason opener, logging just under six minutes in the third quarter. While he was cold from the perimeter, missing all four of his three-point attempts, there's little to worry about a guard who's a career 38.1 percent shooter from beyond the arc. Given the injury histories of Joel Embiid and Paul George, with both working their way back from knee injuries, Maxey is the first 76er who should be selected in fantasy drafts, regardless of league type. Injuries limited him to 52 games last season, but he's played at least 60 in the other four. |
|
Quentin Grimes Shams: Quentin Grimes signs qualifying offer
Wed, Oct 1, 2025, 10:11 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Quentin Grimes has signed a one-year offer sheet worth $8.7 million.
Analysis: One day after fellow restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga agreed to a two-year deal, Grimes' status for the upcoming season was resolved. He's reportedly signed his one-year offer sheet on the final day to do so, which ensures he'll be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Grimes enjoyed the best stretch of his NBA career after the February trade deadline, but that was at a time when the 76ers were without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Jared McCain, among others. With McCain recovering from thumb surgery, Grimes' role will have added importance, even with the 76ers selecting VJ Edgecombe in June's draft. |
|
Quentin Grimes 76ers decline Grimes' deadline extension request
Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 11:14 AM
Jake Fischer
NBA Insider Jake Fischer reports the 76ers have declined Quentin Grimes' request to extend the deadline to accept his qualifying offer past October 1.
Analysis: While Philadelphia certainly wants Grimes suiting up for them next season, especially in the wake of Jared McCain's thumb injury, they aren't going to budge on their offer. Grimes either has to take what they've offered or take the qualifying offer and explore free agency next summer. Regardless, there should be some clarity on his contract situation in the coming days. |
|
Joel Embiid Joel Embiid (knee) participated in practice Sat.
Sat, Sep 27, 2025, 7:16 AM
Adam Aaronson
Joel Embiid (knee) participated in portions of Saturday's practice, including some live action.
Analysis: Embiid has no concrete timeline for returning to game action from offseason left knee surgery, but Saturday's development qualifies as a step in the right direction. According to 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, the 7-footer did âquite a bit,â including participating in some live action. While Embiid's injury history makes him challenging to trust with a first-round pick in fantasy drafts, he can be a game-changer for managers if he can play 60 games or more. His health will be one of the crucial subplots during the preseason, as Embiid's ADP is around 50 in Yahoo!, ESPN and Fantrax leagues. |
|
Joel Embiid Joel Embiid (knee) still lacks return timeline
Fri, Sep 26, 2025, 8:31 AM
Associated Press
Joel Embiid (knee) said during Friday's media day that he remains without a return-to-play timeline.
Analysis: Due to a lingering left knee injury, Embiid only appeared in 19 games for the 76ers last season. The former NBA MVP underwent another surgery during the offseason in hopes of addressing the issue once and for all. However, while Embiid did say that he's feeling good, he also noted that there is no specific timeline for a return to game action. âI want to play. I want to play every single game,â Embiid, who said his goal this season is to play consistently, said. âI've been pretty unlucky when it comes to that compared to most NBA players.â When healthy, Embiid is one of the most impactful players in fantasy basketball. However, the injury concerns make it challenging to justify using a first-round pick on the 7-footer. |
|
Andre Drummond Andre Drummond (toe) feels 100% entering camp
Fri, Sep 26, 2025, 6:16 AM
Paul Hudrick
Andre Drummond (toe) said Friday that he feels 100 percent going into 76ers training camp.
Analysis: Drummond was one of many 76ers to see their 2024-25 season end prematurely due to injury, with a toe injury sidelining him. The veteran center said Friday that he feels he's back to full strength, which should make for a competitive battle for the backup center role. Either Drummond or Adem Bona stands to take on that responsibility, which has added importance due to starter Joel Embiid's injury history. Bona offers a higher upside for deep-league managers seeking an âinsurance policyâ for Embiid, but Drummond can be an effective rebounder and finisher. |
|
Paul George Paul George (knee) still lacks return timeline
Fri, Sep 26, 2025, 5:25 AM
Paul Hudrick
Paul George (knee) said on Friday that he hopes to return âsooner rather than laterâ but does not have a concrete return-to-play timeline.
Analysis: George described his first season in Philadelphia as ârock bottom,â and it's easy to see why. Injuries limited him to 41 games, and the 76ers wing underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee mid-July. While he feels better now than last season, George does not have a firm return-to-play timeline. When the 76ers open training camp on Saturday, he will not be able to go through full-contact activities. With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey working their way back from season-ending injuries and Jared McCain (thumb) currently out, the 76ers are the ultimate wild card in the Eastern Conference. The uncertainty surrounding George will impact his placement in fantasy drafts, potentially making him a bargain if he can stay on the court this season. |
|
Quentin Grimes Shams: 76ers, Grimes still âfar apart' on deal
Wed, Sep 24, 2025, 10:00 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that the 76ers and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes remain âfar apartâ in their negotiations for a new deal.
Analysis: Grimes' finish to the season was one of the few bright spots for the 76ers in a disappointing 2024-25, and his timing appeared to be excellent. However, as a restricted free agent, Grimes lacks leverage. Charania reported Wednesday that, according to Grimes' agent, the 76ers did not make their first concrete offer until recently and the sides are âfar apartâ on a contract. In addition to getting a healthy Jared McCain back into the fold and Kelly Oubre Jr. picking up his player option, the 76ers added highly athletic guard VJ Edgecombe via the draft. Due to the current state of his contract, Grimes will not travel with the 76ers to Abu Dhabi, where they will play two preseason games against the Knicks. Grimes can sign the one-year qualifying offer worth $8.7 million, making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. He has until October 1 to accept the qualifying offer. |
|
Adem Bona Adem Bona scores 12 points in EuroBasket final
Sun, Sep 14, 2025, 11:10 AM
Adem Bona finished Sunday's loss to Germany with 12 points (5-of-5 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), one rebound and two blocked shots.
Analysis: Bona came off the bench for Türkiye throughout the nation's run to Sunday's EuroBasket final, which is understandable since Alperen ?engün was the starting center. The 76ers' backup, who played well to end his rookie campaign, played a tournament-high 19 minutes and matched his previous high with 12 points. However, Bona did not offer much production on the glass, as Germany finished with superior offensive and defensive rebounding percentages. Bona's fantasy value in 2025-26 will depend on the health of Joel Embiid, who isn't guaranteed to be a full go when training camp begins after having to undergo knee surgery in the spring. |
|
Adem Bona Adem Bona (leg) limps off court following injury
Thu, Aug 21, 2025, 5:26 AM
BasketNews
Adem Bona (leg) limped back to the locker room following Wednesday's win over Lithuania.
Analysis: According to BasketNews, Bona's leg injury is not believed to be serious. He was also on the bench supporting his teammates as Turkey closed out the win in its final EuroBasket tune-up. While Alperen Sengun leads the way in the frontcourt for Turkey, Bona will be another player to watch in the tournament due to his abilities as a rebounder and defender. And given the uncertain status of Joel Embiid as he continues to recover from knee surgery, the 2024 second-round pick out of UCLA may figure more prominently in the 76ers' plans to begin the 2025-26 season. |
|
Joel Embiid Nick Nurse unsure if Embiid will be ready for camp
Thu, Aug 14, 2025, 10:41 AM
talkSport
76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Thursday he's unsure if Joel Embiid (knee) will be a full go when the team opens training camp in late September.
Analysis: The 76ers will get a head start on training camp due to their two preseason games against the Knicks in Abu Dhabi. However, whether Embiid will be ready to go after undergoing knee surgery in April is unknown. âI know he's working very, very hard and I think things look good,â Nurse told talkSport's Brian T. Smith. âWhether he's ready for training camp or not, I think there's maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. But our main thing is that he's healthy to play and play to his nearest capabilities, because he's awesome, no doubt about that.â Embiid has totaled 58 games in the two seasons since he won Most Valuable Player honors in 2023, and the 76ers are a vastly different team when their 7-footer is on the floor and playing at full strength. |
Connect With Us:
