When a team storms to an 8-2 record to start the season, it feels slightly unfair to poke holes in a clearly talented roster, but the Philadelphia 76ers still have flaws. The Cleveland Cavaliers did a great job of out-rebounding the Sixers during their recent Emirates NBA Cup victory.
Even when Philadelphia wins, the team struggles to physically impose itself on the glass. It could ultimately be the difference between being a contender and winning a championship. The question is: how can Nick Nurse address a problem without affecting the team's chemistry?
Cavaliers taught the 76ers a lesson they needed to learn
This is what the regular season is all about: uncovering hidden weaknesses and making tactical tweaks so the team is ready for playoff action. Philadelphia fans have obviously embraced winning ways, but there is still a long way to go in the NBA schedule; papering over cracks now would only hurt the franchise's championship credentials.
The Cavaliers impressed during their 119-95 win over the 76ers. LeBron James' former team out-rebounded his new employers 56-42. Most worryingly, Cleveland claimed 14 offensive rebounds.
Philadelphia's rebounding problems haven't appeared out of thin air; it is a prevalent trend for the team this season. The 76ers rank 21st in team rebounds per game (42.3) and 27th in contested rebounds per game (14).
Sixers fans will remember their 2026 playoff defeat to the New York Knicks. A series that saw Mitchell Robinson create countless second-chance opportunities for his team due to the team's inability to keep him off the glass.
Pretending this won't be a problem moving forward is a recipe for disaster. The 76ers must take each lesson as it comes and understand that this roster isn't invincible. In the same breath, there is no need to panic. Ripping up the playbook and starting again would be a foolish decision. Nevertheless, experimenting with taller lineups would be a wise move depending on the opponent they face.
Sacrificing a scorer's minutes is an option
Nobody will ever feel sorry for the Sixers' head coach, but deciding which star must take a seat to address this issue is a thankless task. Dropping a player entirely from the lineup would be a major overreaction; however, when matching up with a tall team like Cleveland, Nurse must find a way to limit their rebounding prowess.
Few teams possess talented, physical frontcourt options like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Typically, the Cavaliers are an Eastern Conference rival who have their own title hopes. Finding a solution sooner rather than later would make the 76ers even more formidable than they have proven to be this year.
Injuries to Adem Bona, Tacko Fall, and Dominick Barlow have prevented Nurse from experimenting with too many lineups, but when they are all available for selection, there is a distinct possibility the head coach could sacrifice one of his stars for extended periods if the matchup requires it.
LeBron, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey will be critical players regardless of the opponent; however, if Philadelphia needs to weather a storm, one of the three mentioned frontcourt options would be capable of partnering with Joel Embiid.
The 76ers don't need to call off the championship parade just yet, but it's always worth addressing problems as they first rear their heads above the parapet. Philadelphia are already in a strong position for a championship tilt; improving the team's rebounding struggles will only make them a more dangerous foe.
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