Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers
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Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse directs his team against the Indiana Pacers.
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, March 3.
Heading into the matchup, the Sixers’ starting lineup took another notable hit. The veteran forward Kelly Oubre has been ruled out for the game. According to the Sixers’ injury report, Oubre is dealing with an illness.
For the veteran forward, it will mark his first absence since the Sixers’ January 5 game against the Denver Nuggets.
The Sixers Go Down Three Starters Against The Spurs
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 02: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Wells Fargo Center on April 02, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Once again, the Sixers have a lot of money on the bench for Tuesday’s game.
As expected, Paul George will be out of the mix. The veteran forward was suspended last month due to violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug program. The veteran forward apologized for his wrongdoing and will serve the suspension that is costing him roughly $11.7 million over time. George could return later in March.
Joel Embiid is another starter to miss some action, as he’s dealing with a third injury since February.
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All season long, Embiid’s knee has bothered him with soreness. He received two surgeries in less than two years before the 2025-2026 season tipped off. Recently, Embiid started experiencing shin pain as well.
After a five-game absence, Embiid returned to the court for the Sixers on February 24. After that Sixers loss against the Indiana Pacers, Embiid checked in for 31 minutes against the Miami Heat. He had a solid outing, posting 26 points and 11 rebounds, but he couldn’t make it out of the game without a setback.
A strained right oblique injury ruled Embiid out for the next three games. He missed Sunday’s action against the Boston Celtics. Tuesday night against the Spurs marks the second game in a row. With Embiid out against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday as well, all eyes will be on Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks.
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With Oubre suddenly hitting the injury report, the Sixers will miss one of their key role guys. In 38 games this season, Oubre has averaged 32.7 minutes as a starter. He is posting 14.3 points, while shooting 46% from the field and knocking down 37% of his threes. He is also coming down with 4.7 rebounds per game and dishing out 1.7 assists per game.
The Sixers are 33-27 heading into the game against the 43-17 Spurs. Trailing the Toronto Raptors by two games, the Sixers are looking to move up the Eastern Conference standings to ensure they will lock in a guaranteed playoff berth, without the threat of a 7-8 seed creeping up.
Tuesday’s action will be a tough matchup as they are shorthanded against the Western Conference’s second seed.