The 76ers are facing several challenges heading into their road game against Detroit. A key issue is injuries. Not just any injuries; injuries to key players! The Sixers have been struggling with a series of these that are shaking up their depth and altering the way they approach the game. With a tough start to the season, these absences could pose further difficulties for Nick Nurse’s squad.

The biggest blow is, of course, the absence of Joel Embiid because of left knee injury management and personal reasons. With his absence for the Pistons, Embiid will have missed four matchups. As one of the league’s premier players and the cornerstone of the 76ers’ lineup, his absence leaves a massive hole in the middle.

Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond are likely to be the main replacements at the center, although neither can fully replicate Embiid’s scoring, defense, and leadership on the court. Yabusele, usually a forward, will likely have to step up and provide more minutes, while Drummond, with his experience, will have to control the glass and protect the rim to mitigate the loss.

In addition to the 76ers big man, Paul George’s status is also another cause for concern. The 9x All-Star has been dealing with a left knee bone bruise. Despite participating fully in practice on Friday, the team has listed George as ‘questionable’ for the upcoming game. If PG does indeed end up not suiting up, Kelly Oubre Jr. will once again find himself stepping up, providing the Sixers with scoring and perimeter shooting.

KJ Martin is another name who can see more time, offering energy and defensive versatility at the small forward. The depth at this spot is particularly important as Oubre has been one of the team’s more reliable contributors. Caleb Martin, who has been dealing with upper back soreness, is also listed as day-to-day.

His absence would further stress the Sixers’ wing depth, pushing players like Oubre and Martin into more significant roles. With Martin not guaranteed to play, the team will have to rely on both players to contribute defensively and offensively. And, of course, Kyle Lowry remains sidelined with a right hip strain.

So, where does it leave Philly with the depth chart?

The 76ers depth chart vs. Pistons tonight

There is no doubt that the Sixers are stretched thin with this lengthy report. At point guard, Tyrese Maxey remains the starter, with Lowry’s absence leaving Jared McCain as the backup. With George and Martin also potentially unavailable, the 76ers will need significant contributions from their depth players. McCain, Eric Gordon, and KJ Martin will all have to step up, while Yabusele’s role will grow, especially in Embiid’s absence.

As the 14th-seeded Sixers take on the 10th-seeded Pistons, the former will need to dig deep into their reserves to overcome the challenges. With injuries striking the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ left, right, and center, the rest of the players will have to step up big to stay competitive even. It’s going to be a collective effort, for sure.

But if the 76ers can weather the storm, the team might just come away with the win. Even in a depleted state. This game could be a defining moment in their season—showing just how resilient they are when facing adversity.