Sixers, Grizzlies Face Injury Woes in Matchup of Undermanned Teams

Both teams dealing with lengthy injury lists as they look to end losing streaks

Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:25pm

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The short-handed Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies, both dealing with a long list of injuries, will face off on Tuesday night as they look to end their recent losing skids. The Sixers are without stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie VJ Edgecombe, while the Grizzlies had only eight players in uniform for their last game against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite the injury issues, both teams are eager to get back on track and secure a much-needed win.

Why it matters

This matchup between two undermanned teams highlights the challenges NBA clubs face in navigating a long season with key players sidelined due to injury. The outcome could have implications for the playoff race in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, as the Sixers and Grizzlies look to stay competitive despite their depleted rosters.

The details

The Sixers are coming off a 115-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, while the Grizzlies dropped a 126-115 decision against the Brooklyn Nets. Philadelphia will be without Embiid, Maxey, and Edgecombe, while Memphis had just eight players available in their last game, including only one player over 6'7". Both teams will be relying on role players and two-way contract guys to step up and fill the void left by their injured stars.

  • The Sixers and Grizzlies will face off on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The Grizzlies will have a quick turnaround, playing again on Thursday, March 12 against the Dallas Mavericks and Friday, March 13 against the Detroit Pistons.

The players

Joel Embiid

All-Star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who is sidelined with an oblique injury.

Tyrese Maxey

Starting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who is out with a finger injury, but could return later this week.

VJ Edgecombe

Rookie forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who is dealing with a back injury but could be available to play on Tuesday.

GG Jackson

6'9" forward for the Memphis Grizzlies who was the team's only available player over 6'7" in their last game.

Rayan Rupert

Guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who led the team with 20 points in their loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to create better shots for each other, with people down. Just got to find a way to get easy ones.”

— Cameron Payne, Philadelphia 76ers guard (austinnews.net)

“Our guys did a tremendous job forcing (19) turnovers, applying ball pressure. In some situations, we were just two sizes too small underneath the rim.”

— Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis Grizzlies head coach (austinnews.net)

What’s next

The Sixers will look to get healthy ahead of their next game, while the Grizzlies face a quick turnaround with back-to-back games against the Mavericks and Pistons later this week.

The takeaway

This game between the undermanned Sixers and Grizzlies highlights the challenges NBA teams face in dealing with injuries throughout the long season. Both clubs will need their role players to step up and fill the void left by their injured stars as they try to end their recent losing streaks and stay competitive in the playoff race.