Jared McCain set to make season debut as Sixers face Bulls on Tuesday night in Chicago

The Philadelphia 76ers continue their road trip Tuesday night in Chicago, taking on the Bulls in an early-season matchup between two 5-1 teams sitting atop the Eastern Conference. The Sixers as usual, will once again be short-handed, but there is finally some good news on the injury front.

Jared McCain (Right Hand Surgery Recovery) – Probable

Jared McCain is on track to make his season debut after missing several months due to injuries. The second-year guard has been listed as probable for Tuesday’s game in Chicago.

McCain has not played since December 2024. He ended last season with a torn meniscus in his left knee and later suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb before training camp began. He went through a full workout with Sixers coaches before Sunday’s win in Brooklyn and looked comfortable shooting and moving.

Sixers exercise third-year option on Jared McCain, who was a full participant in practice on Thursday

Nick Nurse said McCain’s return will be a welcome boost for a backcourt that has logged heavy minutes through six games.

Jared McCain Season Debut Incoming…

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Paul George (Left Knee Surgery Recovery) – Out

Paul George will remain sidelined as he continues to recover from knee surgery. The Sixers expect him to return soon, and Nurse noted that George has looked strong in recent workouts.

Dominick Barlow (Right Elbow Laceration) – Out

Dominick Barlow will miss his fifth straight game as his elbow laceration continues to heal. Nurse called the injury “nothing major” but admitted the recovery has taken longer than the team anticipated.

Sixers Rotation Outlook

McCain’s return comes at a perfect time. Tyrese Maxey leads the entire league in minutes per game at 42.4, while VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. are both among the top five. Adding McCain should help balance the rotation and ease the workload on the team’s primary guards.

Jared McCain putting up jumpers after shootaround is a great sign for the Sixers

Quentin Grimes continues to provide quality minutes off the bench, and Trendon Watford has contributed with steady play on both ends of the floor.

With McCain back, the Sixers gain another scorer and ball handler who can help keep the offense flowing. It also gives Nurse another option to mix up lineups against a tough Chicago defense.

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