Sixers head coach Nick Nurse
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Houston Rockets in overtime at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rockets defeated the 76ers 122-115 in overtime. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The last thing the Philadelphia 76ers needed this week was another injury.
During the team’s Saturday night battle against the Utah Jazz on March 21, the Sixers suffered two scares in the same game.
The rookie VJ Edgecombe left the court to get checked out. Fortunately, he returned to the game to wrap up a 39-minute shift against the Jazz.
Edgecombe finished the game with 22 points on 9-19 shooting from the field. He racked up a double-double with 13 rebounds. The rookie also produced four assists and one steal.
Beyond Edgecombe, the Sixers lost another starter in Dominick Barlow. Unlike the rookie, Barlow was ruled out for the rest of the game with an ankle sprain.
He checked out after seeing the court for four minutes. Barlow scored one point, came down with two rebounds, and turned the ball over once.
After the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse dropped an update.
76ers Starter Gets Injury Update After Utah Jazz Game
Nick Nurse looks on during an NBA game.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 25: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Getty
“Ankle. Sprained ankle. X-rays were negative, yep,” Nick Nurse told reporters.
When asked about the severity of the sprain, the head coach couldn’t confirm much more about the actual diagnosis.
“I do not know what kind of grade it is. I don’t. That’s all we got so far.”
The Sixers made it out of Salt Lake City with a victory, despite missing a handful of key players. The tanking Jazz have been in a similar position all year long.
With the 22 points from Edgecombe and a 25-point showing from the veteran Quentin Grimes, the Sixers took down the Jazz 126-116.
Where Do The Sixers Go From Here?
Sixers head coach, Nick Nurse
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 02: Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse reacts during the first half against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
With Saturday’s win, the Sixers improved to 39-32 on the season.
By winning two in a row and going 6-4 over the past 10 games, the Sixers improved by going from the Eastern Conference’s ninth seed to the seventh seed. They are tied with the Atlanta Hawks, who have won nine of their last 10 games.
Currently, the Sixers are in the NBA Play-In Tournament picture. If they can jump the Hawks in the standings, they could be right back in the playoff bracket.
The Sixers’ next matchup will take place against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, March 23. Barlow’s status for that game is currently unclear.
Beyond Barlow, the Sixers have also been without Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, and the rookie, Johni Broome.