Sixers Struggle with Injuries as Roster Spot Remains Open

Is Philadelphia's decision to keep a roster spot vacant costing them games amid a rash of injuries?

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:53pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers have been hit hard by injuries this season, with key players like Joel Embiid, Paul George, VJ Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr. all missing time. The team's decision to keep one of their 15 roster spots open has come under scrutiny, as the lack of an extra player has been felt during these injury-plagued stretches. The 76ers are now 9-8 on the season after a blowout loss to the Orlando Magic, leading to questions about whether the open roster spot is sabotaging their success.

Why it matters

The 76ers' injury issues and the impact of their open roster spot highlight the delicate balance teams must strike between financial flexibility and having enough depth to withstand absences of star players. This story explores whether Philadelphia's cost-saving measure is hurting them on the court when they need extra manpower the most.

The details

The 76ers entered Tuesday's game against the Magic already missing 80% of their expected starters, plus backup center Adem Bona. Then, Trendon Watford suffered an in-game injury, further depleting the roster. With an open 15th roster spot, the 76ers were left with a thin bench that struggled to keep up, leading to a 144-103 blowout loss. The team's decision to keep a roster spot open is a financial move to avoid the luxury tax, but it has reduced their active roster to 13 players on nights when key contributors are out.

  • On Tuesday night, the 76ers faced the Orlando Magic.
  • Trendon Watford suffered an injury in the first half of the game.
  • The 76ers have now dropped 7 of their last 11 games, putting their record at 9-8.

The players

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center has been dealing with a right knee issue for two weeks and was ruled out of the Magic game.

Paul George

The 76ers' other star player suffered a right ankle sprain and was a late scratch for the Magic game.

VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers' starting point guard missed his second straight game with calf tightness.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

The 76ers' starting small forward was also out for the Magic game.

Adem Bona

The 76ers' backup center was unavailable for the Magic game.

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What they’re saying

“They're also telling me there's really nothing there on the imaging, and it's a calf strain.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers Head Coach

What’s next

The 76ers get a two-day break before facing the struggling Brooklyn Nets on Friday. This marks their second NBA Cup Group Play matchup in a row, but Tuesday's loss officially knocked them out of contention for the Knockout Rounds.

The takeaway

The 76ers' decision to keep a roster spot open has come back to haunt them as they deal with a rash of injuries to key players. While the move was intended to provide financial flexibility, it has reduced their active roster to just 13 players on nights when they desperately need extra depth. This story highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between cost-saving measures and having enough manpower to withstand absences of star players.