6 76ers who could get axed from Nick Nurse’s playoff rotation

5. K.J. Martin

Martin has largely been in the rotation since Jan. 22. He missed three straight games with an ankle injury in late February, but has otherwise appeared in 24 straight. Over that stretch, the 6’6 forward is averaging 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 17.0 minutes per game.

The 23-year-old brings some athleticism and youth to their lineup. Martin is the youngest player under guaranteed contract on the Sixers roster but has mostly played because of injuries. Robert Covington has not been on the court since Dec. 30. De’Anthony Melton and Tobias Harris have also joined Joel Embiid on the sidelines. Head coach Nick Nurse is searching for anyone capable of giving them quality minutes right now.

Martin’s minutes have been in flux in recent games. He has played fewer than seven minutes in three of the last nine games, which likely makes him the first player cut from Nurse’s rotation in the playoffs. Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Nicolas Batum, and Kelly Oubre Jr. will handle the minutes on the wing. Martin could get a shot if the 76ers are struggling but do not expect him to be part of the nightly mix.

K.J. Martin has never appeared in an NBA playoff game. He will get some minutes if the Sixers qualify but do not expect him to play a significant role.