76ers' Biggest Fear Is Already Becoming a Reality Before Opening Night

The Philadelphia 76ers' injury report is just getting longer and longer, and the season is basically here. 

Going into the season, the 76ers are already down two of their centers. You add in Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade, who recently rolled his ankle, and even VJ Edgecombe is dealing with injuries. 

Edgecombe should be fine and able to play, but the rest, it’s looking a little bleak. The depth of this team is supposed to be another strong piece to this team, but instead it has already become one of the biggest concerns, and the ball hasn’t even tipped off. Now, it’s going to be up to the starters to do the brunt of the work. This was something many were concerned about when it came to this team. 

Can they stay healthy? So far, it’s looking like an emphatic no. Now fortunately no one in the starting lineup is seriously injured, but the issue is the bench is supposed to be the reliever for the starters, and nearly half the bench is dealing with lingering ailments. Wade appearing on the injury report is a huge blow if he can’t go. His injury happening in the final preseason game makes this even worse. 

The center depth was obliterated before the preseason truly got under way. Adem Bona hurt his foot before preseason, while Ariel Hukporti tore his Achilles in the first preseason game. This was a problem even before the injuries, but now, it’s a glaring issue. Of course injuries happen to everyone, but when it comes to this 76ers team, it’s just a factor that needs to be minimized.

So with these injuries, the starting lineup has to do more than just be healthy; they have to be perfect. They are going to have to be the ones who take this team to victory. The hope was that the bench would provide substantial assistance for them, but now starters could potentially play close to 30 minutes or more. 

This isn’t what LeBron James had in mind when he joined the 76ers, and now it’s at the forefront of things to deal with. He may have to do more scoring than expected, as he’ll probably have to spend more time on the court than expected. Joel Embiid is the other player who loses in this situation. He is already labeled an injury problem. Well now, despite his new figure, he has to play longer and subject his body to more punishment.

This team better get healthy and quick, or else this season is going to go down the drain at a fast rate.