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

3. Robert Covington

Covington played in 26 of his first 29 games with the 76ers after being acquired in the James Harden trade. It was a reunion for RoCo, who got his first significant NBA opportunity with the franchise during The Process era. He was playing 16.1 minutes per game this season while spacing the floor and bringing the defense before his knee injury.

Covington has not played since Dec. 30. Updates and specifics about the injury have been difficult to come by, but he has practiced in recent days and could be nearing a return.

The Sixers would love to have him back before the playoffs. Having another 6’7 forward capable of guarding multiple positions and playing a role would be massive, He must get back on the floor quickly if he plans on being part of the nightly rotation in the playoffs.

Head coach Nick Nurse will have difficult decisions to make with his rotation if everyone is fit. Robert Covington will battle Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum, Buddy Hield, and Kelly Oubre Jr. for playing time. Nurse could use him as a small ball five, but that would mean cutting Paul Reed from the rotation. Philly has options, and Covington is no guarantee to play in every postseason contest.