The 76ers have just a handful of guys they can truly bank on. It could’ve been Joel Embiid if not for his commitments to the hospital bed— also the reason they are as low as 11th in the West. But they did just beat an in-form Warriors to strengthen their hopes for the play-ins. They got the Trail Blazers up next. But the injury announcements of veteran Paul George and guard Kelly Oubre Jr. make it seem like one step forward and two steps back.

The addition of George earlier this year is one of the sole reasons they have an outside shot at the play-ins this season. The veteran guard has 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season. More like 34 years young for PG-13. But he’s dealing with a left groin soreness that’s put his status as questionable for the Blazers game. Man’s fresh off a blaster, trumping up 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 39 minutes against the Golden State. That momentum would come in handy for coach Nick Nurse.

Kelly Oubre Jr. isn’t doing too badly himself. 14.9 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting with a 46.8 FG%? Seeing the Sixers‘ fortunes this season, it could’ve been a lot worse. Papi’s gotten 47 points over the last 2 games, playing 42 minutes on average. But his status for the game is also questionable due to an unforeseen and unfortunate illness. Like I said- one step forward, two steps back.

Might not seem like it, but the Sixers are still mathematically in it to get it over the line. But in order to get their top 6 protected pick in the 2025 draft, they might have to tank it. It’s like the Matrix- they either take the red pill and fight till the end, or the blue pill and tank it for future guarantees. Either way, they gotta win against a struggling Blazers.

More injury woes for Blazers

Honestly, the Blazers are somehow worse off. They sit 12th in the West, and only the might of Jesus can give them a chance in the play-ins. But even then, their performances this season don’t even justify it. Their injury list speaks for itself- and this was before the updates of Robert Williams and Jerami Grant.

Jerami Grant has been a top 3 player for the Blazers this season. Despite their 27-34 record this season, Grant’s contributions of 14.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game have been vital to salvage whatever they could’ve to put themselves in for a fighting chance. I wish the same could’ve been said for center Robert Williams III, who’s been dealing with a debilitating knee injury that’s limited his appearances to just 26 over the last two seasons combined. That clubbed with Jerami’s own knee problem renders both out for the Sixers clash.

It’s tough to be a fan of either of the teams right now. The Sixers have too many on-court and off-court problems to deal with, which makes the Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. situations like a dagger to the chest. As for the Trail Blazers, they need all 15 of the lads to pitch in and get it over the line in Philly tonight. Who do you think will leave the Wells Fargo Center victorious?