> At a Glance
> – Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford cleared to play Wednesday vs. Wizards after multi-week absences
> – Joel Embiid upgraded from probable to available for the game
> – Neither returning player expected to play full minutes as they rebuild conditioning
> – Why it matters: Healthy roster gives Sixers full strength for first time this season as they push up Eastern Conference standings
The 76ers will finally field a clean injury report Wednesday night when they host the Washington Wizards, marking a significant milestone in a season filled with medical setbacks.
Long-Awaited Returns
Kelly Oubre Jr. has been sidelined since November 14 with a left knee LCL sprain. He started the first 12 games and averaged 16.8 points and 5.1 rebounds before the injury.
Trendon Watford missed action since November 25 with a left adductor strain. In 14 appearances this season, he’s contributed 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
Nick Nurse addressed the situation before tip-off:
> “It is great. Getting them out there is the first step. And then getting them to a level of conditioning and rhythm – their peak performance – that’s going to be a ways away.”
Gradual Reintegration Plan
The coaching staff plans to ease both players back into action:
- Minutes will be strictly limited initially
- Both participated in full-court 3-on-3 work after Monday’s shootaround
- The team must balance individual recovery with maintaining current rhythm
Nurse elaborated on his approach:
> “I’m not 100 percent sure I’ll use them both. And if I do, it’ll probably be pretty limited tonight.”
Starting Lineup Update
The Sixers confirmed their starting five against Washington:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Guard | Tyrese Maxey |
| Guard | VJ Edgecombe |
| Forward | Paul George |
| Forward | Joel Embiid |
| Center | Dominick Barlow |
Joel Embiid received a late upgrade from probable to available after being listed with left knee injury management and right ankle soreness.
Key Takeaways
- Oubre provides immediate scoring punch on the wing
- Watford adds versatile frontcourt depth
- The team must integrate returning players without disrupting recent positive momentum
- Full-strength roster gives Nurse maximum flexibility for rotation combinations
With the Wizards in town, Philadelphia has an opportunity to build on recent performances while welcoming back key contributors who could prove crucial in the upcoming stretch of games.
Emily Carter Reynolds for News Of Philadelphia
