The Philadelphia 76ers are off to an undefeated start to the season. The 76ers have beaten a shorthanded Boston Celtics team, the surprisingly good Charlotte Hornets, and a disappointing Orlando Magic squad. Still, those are three good wins, and Philadelphia is not at full strength yet.
The 76ers have a limited Joel Embiid, while Paul George has yet to make his debut. Embiid is upset with his minutes restriction, but his lack of minutes is something Philadelphia should get used to. With the former MVP playing less, it is up to others to pick up the slack. Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe have been the two to do just that. However, reinforcements are on the way with Jared McCain returning soon.
When McCain makes his return to the court, head coach Nick Nurse will have some decisions to make. However, he already has a plan on how he will utilize the second-year pro.
“Inserting him in with the VJ [Edgecombe], Tyrese [Maxey] and [Quentin Grimes guard] group is the plan,” Nurse said, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required).
McCain Provides Depth to the Backcourt
GettyJared McCain was taking shots pregame on Monday and is nearing a return.
McCain will allow the 76ers to give Maxey and Edgecombe some breaks throughout the game. Both are playing over 40 minutes per game, which is not sustainable over the course of a full season.
“That was sort of the plan going into the season. Again, I think they all can do a variety of things, and give us a chance to have some more depth. Gives us a chance to, again, play some shorter stints so the energy can stay high and all those things,” Nurse said, per Pompey, regarding his plan on how he will use McCain.
McCain, 21, has been out of action since injuring his thumb during the preseason. The former first-round pick tore his meniscus last December, ending his rookie year early. McCain was averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game before hurting his knee.
The Duke product was seen putting up shots before Monday’s game, and he looked closer to a return than originally planned. Once he is fully healthy, he should be slotted back into the starting lineup.
76ers’ Hot Start Will Only Get Better
GettyPaul George has been out after receiving knee surgery in July.
The 76ers are 3-0 without George and McCain. Embiid has not been a significant factor because of his minutes restriction, as well. The team has been carried by Maxey and Edgecombe, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes have played well.
Both McCain and George are nearing a return, which will only make Philadelphia better. George is recovering from knee surgery, but he has been practicing. He has not done much full-contact work yet, but he is making his way back and should be in the lineup soon.
Getting these two back will only make Philadelphia better than they already are. For now, the 76ers will look to keep their win streak going on Tuesday night as they are in the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards.
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