The NBA calendar doesn’t take holidays, and right now, the Philadelphia 76ers are feeling the grind. As we head into the final days of December, the Sixers are dealing with a roster stretched thin by injuries and illness - and tonight’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets is shaping up to be a test of depth, resilience, and adaptability.
Let’s start with the latest wrinkle: rookie guard V.J. Edgecombe, who’s been turning heads and recently climbed back into the NBA Rookie Power Rankings top 10, has been added to the injury report with an illness.
He’s now listed as questionable for tonight’s game, joining Quentin Grimes and Dominick Barlow, who are also battling illness. The team even cancelled its morning shootaround - a clear sign that the locker room isn’t at full strength.
This all comes at a tough time. The Sixers are already without Kelly Oubre Jr., sidelined with a knee injury, and Trendon Watford, who’s dealing with an adductor issue. With multiple players under the weather, the Sixers are staring down a thin rotation on a night when every possession matters.
Edgecombe’s availability isn’t just a footnote - it could be a deciding factor. The rookie has earned his minutes with smart, energetic play, showing an advanced feel for the game that’s rare for a first-year guard.
His ability to defend, push the pace, and contribute in crunch time has made him a valuable piece in head coach Nick Nurse’s rotation. After a standout performance against Dallas, Nurse praised Edgecombe’s poise and basketball IQ, saying, *“He’s been great.
He’s got some things, like his understanding of the game, that you aren’t expecting at that age, that level of experience. And the impact he’s making down the stretch that you don’t expect from a rookie at this stage of the season.”
That’s high praise - and it underscores just how much the Sixers have come to rely on Edgecombe’s contributions, even in a crowded backcourt. If he’s unable to go tonight, the Sixers will have to dig deeper into the bench, potentially calling on less-experienced players to step into meaningful roles.
There is some good news on the horizon. Paul George is expected to return, giving the Sixers a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor.
And Joel Embiid, who was previously surrounded by uncertainty, is now listed as probable. Getting Embiid back - even at less than 100% - changes the equation entirely.
His presence alone can tilt a game, especially at home.
Still, the illness bug has thrown a wrench into what was already a delicate balance. With the Eastern Conference standings tightly packed, every game counts - especially at home, where the Sixers are looking to close out their 2025 home slate on a strong note. One off night, one short-handed rotation, could have ripple effects in a playoff race that’s shaping up to be razor-thin.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST in Philadelphia. The Sixers will be hoping for a clean bill of health - or at least enough bodies to hold the line.