Sixers Hit by Illness: Key Players Out vs. Nets

The Philadelphia Sixers are facing a significant outbreak of illness just before their Tuesday game against the Brooklyn Nets. Several key rotation players, including rookie VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Quentin Grimes, will miss the matchup with an unspecified sickness. This widespread illness follows earlier absences from star players Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, who were previously sidelined for similar reasons.

Coach Nick Nurse confirmed that the team canceled its morning shootaround as players who were unwell on Monday showed no improvement. The decision to keep sick players away from team activities is a precautionary measure to prevent further spread, impacting their preparation for the Nets game. This health crisis comes as the Sixers are already dealing with injuries to Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford, forcing reserve players into starting roles.

The Nets, despite their 8-19 record, may find an advantage against a depleted Sixers squad. The absence of key players like Edgecombe, Barlow, and Grimes, alongside other injured teammates, significantly impacts Philadelphia's depth. The game is crucial for the Sixers as they aim to maintain separation in the standings before the league-wide Christmas break. The team is not scheduled to play again until Friday against the Chicago Bulls, after the league-mandated break for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.