The Philadelphia 76ers have quietly emerged as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, posting a 7–4 record that currently places them third in the standings. With Tyrese Maxey thriving as the lead playmaker, Philadelphia has continued to find ways to adapt despite injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and rookie guard Jared McCain.
Even with the roster shorthanded, head coach Nick Nurse offered a few encouraging updates — particularly regarding McCain’s status.
“I think this is a good little window for him, a couple of home games for them, so we’re keeping him right here and keeping him up to date with conditioning. [It] gives him a chance to have some longer stints.”
Here's a supercut of Nick Nurse providing injury updates at practice today.
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) November 13, 2025
On McCain to G-League: "I just really want him to get some trips up and down the court."
On PG: "They're just trying to get some strength issues cleared up so he's ready, and limit the possibility of… pic.twitter.com/WE2lm3Cu5A
McCain was recently assigned to the G League, where he spent at least one game with the Delaware Blue Coats as part of his ongoing recovery. He suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee in December 2024, and the organization has continued monitoring his progress closely. Since returning to Philadelphia’s main roster this season, McCain has struggled offensively, recording zero points across three appearances while adding just 1.3 assists per game.
In his lone game with Delaware, however, McCain looked noticeably more comfortable. He finished with 10 points, three assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 20 minutes during the team’s 133–126 loss to the Greensboro Swarm on Thursday. It was a much-needed confidence boost and an opportunity to get the extended reps Nurse referenced.
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One notable difference between McCain’s G League outing and his NBA minutes was the brace he elected to wear. According to Adam Aaronson, “He wore a sleeve on his knee called ‘Incrediwear’ with tights under it in an attempt to protect his knee but allow some more freedom of movement, which he felt tonight.”
That switch may help explain his freer movement with the ball — including more aggressive drives, improved burst, and slightly more lift on his jump shot. McCain is expected to continue wearing the sleeve during Philadelphia’s matchup tonight against the Detroit Pistons.
Nurse added that the next step in McCain’s recovery is ramping up to the point where he can participate in back-to-back games — something he has yet to do since returning.
More 76ers news:
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- 76ers make roster move on Jared McCain after struggling return from UCL surgery