Heading into the 2025-26 season, fans and media alike were bullish on the Philadelphia 76ers’ depth. However, injuries turned what should’ve been a strength into a weakness that has swung games out of Philadelphia’s favor. But, it received an encouraging update on Monday afternoon that could serve as a fix-all.
The 76ers announced that Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are continuing to progress from their respective injuries. Oubre missed Philadelphia’s last 17 games with a sprained left knee while a strained left adductor sidelined Watford for its past 12. They participated in yesterday’s practice and are reintegrating into the team’s activities. Their eventual return will restore the 76ers’ reserve production after more than a month of decline.
Philadelphia ranks 19th league-wide in bench scoring this season, registering just 33.8 points per game. It has felt the absence of Oubre’s scoring punch and Watford’s playmaking, leading to a stagnant offense in crucial moments. Look no further than the 76ers’ 109-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday, when they tallied just 12 reserve points compared to Chicago’s 59.
Before suffering a left knee sprain in Philadelphia’s defeat to the Detroit Pistons on November 14th, Oubre played the best basketball of his three-year 76ers tenure. He is posting 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals. His offensive process has been smarter, with increased off-ball movement and at-rim decision-making. He is enjoying the best field-goal and three-point percentages in his time in Philadelphia to show for it. Not to mention, the 76ers will benefit from having another wing defender upon his return.
Watford has endured multiple injuries this season that limited him to 14 games heading into the new year. But, he made a strong impression in his brief appearances, recording 8.9 points on 53.4% shooting from the field, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. His ability to initiate offense at power forward added a dynamic wrinkle to Philadelphia’s offense that allowed more motion-based possessions. He is equally smart off the ball, knowing where to space the floor and dive to the rim.
Without Oubre and Watford, everyone in the 76ers’ second unit has had to do a little bit more
Injuries forced Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain to shoulder most of the bench’s scoring load, but neither is a floor general by trade and they’re each navigating their own struggles. Philadelphia has leaned on Justin Edwards in Oubre’s absence. But he is also having trouble, shooting 27.7% from the field in his last 10 outings. Andre Drummond started in 14 of his 29 games due to Joel Embiid’s sporadic availability. As a result, the 76ers have relied on Adem Bona off the bench, who continues to navigate foul trouble.
Philadelphia’s reserves showed signs of life, however, accumulating 48 points in its 124-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. The 76ers have three games left in their road trip–including their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies at 8 p.m. If even one of Oubre or Watford returns, it will be a step towards yielding consistent bench production. The fact that both have traveled with the team is a positive sign in itself.