Trendon

Watford

Watford is the latest addition to Philadelphia’s growing injury report. Until he’s ready to return, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker will pick up extra playing time.

Watford suffered a strained left adductor while dribbling up the floor during the second quarter, collapsing to the court immediately after feeling the injury. He had to be helped to the locker room and has since been ruled out for the rest of the night. The 76ers will have to rely even more on Dominick Barlow in the front court, and Jabari Walker picked up a few minutes after Watford’s injury.

George was initially listed as probable for Tuesday’s game against the Magic, but he’ll ultimately miss the contest with a sprained right ankle. Even if George was active, he’d have been on a minutes restriction. Trendon Watford had 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against the Heat on Sunday and could see more minutes off the bench with George out.

With Paul George (10/2/5/1/1 in 20 minutes) still under a minutes restriction, there’s a little more room for Watford to have an impact off the bench. The versatile forward had a good afternoon against the Heat, recording a complete stat line in 26 minutes off the bench. However, with the 76ers only playing one game before Thanksgiving, there’s no need to consider adding Watford to start Week 6.

It’s unclear if George will face a minutes restriction when he returns, but regardless, his availability will likely siphon playing time from Trendon Watford, Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain.

With George being listed as questionable on the initial injury report, this may be the closest he’s been to appearing in a game this season. Given the time missed, fantasy managers should assume the veteran forward’s minutes will be limited. George’s availability impacts Trendon Watford the most, as he’s been the most recent starter at power forward. However, with Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) out, Watford’s opportunities may not be impacted.

George is making progress in his recovery from offseason knee surgery, but he remains without a concrete return timeline. He’ll be re-evaluated later this week, with Charania reporting that team doctors want George to further strengthen his left quad muscle to help support his left knee. So, nothing has really changed for those who have him rostered. Continue to stash him in an IL+ slot and hold out hope that a return isn’t too far away. Trendon Watford struggled in Tuesday’s win over the Celtics but should remain the starting power forward for now.

Barlow remains out with a right elbow laceration that has proven more problematic than the 76ers anticipated. Trendon Watford should remain the starting power forward until Paul George (knee) is cleared to return, and he’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watford had been playing well off the bench recently, so 76ers coach Nick Nurse gave him the starting nod over Jabari Walker. Watford took full advantage of the opportunity, recording the first triple-double of his career. It would be surprising if Nurse didn’t leave Watford in that role, at least until Paul George returns to the lineup. However, if Watford continues to play this well, he’ll certainly have a case to remain a starter over Kelly Oubre. Watford is currently rostered in just six percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Watford has been solid over the last few games off the bench for Philadelphia and will now get the chance to enter the starting lineup. He’ll replace Jabari Walker in the opening unit, though Walker should still have a role off the bench.