Believe it or not, the 76ers are prepared for a playoff run
Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) celebrates with center Andre Drummond (1) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Saying that the injury-riddled 76ers are ready for a playoff run, let alone a playoff appearance, may seem quite optimistic to NBA fans. Philadelphia hasn’t been healthy all season long (what else is new?) and has had names come into the facility that even lifelong NBA fans wouldn’t even recognize. Now, the 76ers are without 4 of their starters and seem to be getting injured at the most inopportune time.
But actually, the 39-32 76ers are in an excellent position with the playoffs just over 3 weeks away.
Philly has been without 4 starters for 5 straight games, missing Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and then a mix of Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe. Ever since Daryl Morey traded away Jared McCain, the bench depth has been questionable at best, so missing valuable starting minutes could have completely derailed Philadelphia’s season.
However, instead of that, Philly has actually improved since losing the starters.
In these past 5 games, Philly has come out on top in 4 of them, with their only loss being against a tough Denver Nuggets squad. Granted, these 4 wins have come against mediocre teams, but without the majority of your starters, getting any win is a major positive.
Some players who have really stepped it up with absences of the starters include Justin Edwards, Quentin Grimes, and Cam Payne. Edwards is averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the past 5 games, really taking advantage of the extra time he has been able to gain on the floor. Grimes additionally has taken a leap in production, averaging 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the stretch. Grimes’ production is especially a big positive due to the need for him to step up after the loss of McCain earlier this season. Payne, who came in to replace McCain, is averaging 15 points, 3 boards, and 4 assists in March, including a 32-point, 8/8 three-point performance earlier this month.
With extra minutes, these guys off the bench have flourished in their expanded roles. Bench depth is a must come playoff time, and having the bench guys getting hot right as the playoffs begin is a recipe for success in the postseason.
Not only this, but it seems as if Philadelphia has been managing Embiid’s oblique strain cautiously, making sure he is fully healthy for the postseason. Additionally, Maxey is expected to return about the week before the playoffs, and Pul George’s suspension ends after Monday night’s game against Oklahoma City, making him available for the final 10 games of the year. Oubre Jr.’s injury status remains unknown, with him being evaluated for his left elbow LCL sprain this Tuesday or Wednesday.
Philadelphia is getting back to full strength in the coming weeks, and with the bench beginning to play like starters, the 76ers are preparing themselves to finish the season off strong heading into the postseason. Playoff season is almost upon us, and the 76ers are going to be ready.
Evan Hartenstein
Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.
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