Things couldn’t have started any worse for the 76ers to start the season… until they did.
Following a 7-16 mark over the team’s first 20+ games that included injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia just got some tough news regarding rookie first-round pick Jared McCain.
McCain reportedly informed the Sixers training staff of “left knee soreness” following last night’s Indiana Pacers loss and an MRI revealed a lateral meniscus tear, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
The injury will require surgery and McCain is out indefinitely.
It’s a just the latest in a string of blows to Philadelphia’s lineup. Prior to the injury, the TikToking Duke product had been the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors — averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds per contest.
And even though the 20-year-old hasn’t been ruled out for the rest of the season, it appears he’ll be missing a sizable chunk of it.
The 76ers will likely turn to Kyle Lowry and Reggie Jackson to pick up some of the slack during McCain’s recovery. Lowry has been day-to-day with a back injury but has the chance to suit up for Monday’s trip to Charlotte.
McCain and Lowry join a growing list of players on Philly’s injury report. Including the aforementioned Embiid (sinus fracture), Caleb Martin (shoulder) and center Adem Bona (knee).
Four of the Sixers’ seven total wins have come over the last six games. They’ll look to keep that trend going even with the odds stacked against them.
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