Sixers’ Depth Faces Real Test as Illness Hits Key Rotation Players
The NBA schedule doesn’t offer much mercy, and right now, the Philadelphia 76ers are feeling the weight of that grind. As the calendar winds down on 2025, the Sixers are dealing with a sudden wave of illness that’s putting their depth-and their resilience-to the test.
Rookie guard V.J. Edgecombe, who’s been climbing the NBA Rookie Power Rankings and turning heads with his poise and energy, has been added to the injury report with an illness and is listed as questionable for the Sixers’ December 23 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
He’s not alone. Quentin Grimes and Dominick Barlow are also questionable with similar issues, and the team canceled its morning shootaround in response.
This isn’t just a minor hiccup. The Sixers are already down a few key bodies-Kelly Oubre Jr. remains sidelined with a knee injury, and Trendon Watford is out with an adductor strain. Now, with multiple players under the weather, the roster is stretched thin heading into the final home game of the year.
And this isn’t just about surviving one night. Edgecombe’s role has grown significantly in recent weeks.
The rookie has become a steady contributor in Nick Nurse’s rotation, especially on the defensive end and in transition. His energy, feel for the game, and ability to stay composed in big moments have made him more than just a spark plug-he’s becoming a reliable piece in a playoff-hopeful rotation.
Following a strong performance against Dallas, Edgecombe earned high praise from Nurse, who highlighted the rookie’s advanced understanding of the game and his impact in late-game situations. “He’s been great,” Nurse said.
“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 kind of trust from a head coach doesn’t come easy, and it’s a testament to how quickly Edgecombe is earning his stripes. So if he’s unable to go against Brooklyn, it leaves a noticeable gap-not just in the box score, but in the rhythm and energy the Sixers have come to expect from him.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel. Paul George is expected to return, and Joel Embiid-previously the subject of some uncertainty-is now listed as probable.
That’s a major boost if both can suit up. But even with stars in the lineup, the supporting cast matters, especially in a conference as tight as the East.
Every game counts, and every rotation tweak matters. If Edgecombe, Grimes, or Barlow can’t go, the Sixers will have to turn to players who’ve seen limited minutes this season. That’s a tall order against a Nets team that’s hungry and capable of capitalizing on any slip.
For a team trying to secure home-court advantage and build momentum heading into the new year, this isn’t just about managing illness-it’s about finding a way to keep the engine running when the parts are wearing thin. The Sixers have the talent to weather the storm. Now it’s about execution, depth, and a little bit of grit.