Sixers Roster & Lineup vs. Spurs; Latest on Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler

Getty Philadelphia 76ers guards Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons

The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with a few various injuries across the roster, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. On Wednesday, the Sixers welcome the San Antonio Spurs for a nationally-televised matchup as they continue a brutal stretch of tough games.

After facing the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, this matchup with the Spurs marks Philadelphia’s final home game before a four-game road stretch. While the Sixers have won four of their last five, the road ahead only gets tougher, and the status of both Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler remains up in the air Wednesday.

We’re going to evaluate the Sixers roster and starting lineup against the Spurs while also checking out the latest on Simmons and Butler.

Sixers Roster & Starting Lineup vs. Spurs

UPDATE: Jimmy Butler has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game and Joel Embiid is now listed as questionable.

With Butler out, it could mean Corey Brewer starts again, who stepped in last game to defend James Harden. On the other hand, if the Sixers would prefer more of an offensive spark, then either Furkan Korkmaz or Landry Shamet would likely get the nod. Both players are solid outside shooters and would provide floor spacing for Joel Embiid inside.

As far as Simmons goes, his absence would result in T.J. McConnell receiving heavy minutes, as he doesn’t technically have a backup. It’s likely Shamet or Butler (if playing) would see some time at point guard as well. If Butler winds up running the point, Wilson Chandler could shift to small forward, allowing either Mike Muscala or Jonah Bolden to see extended time at the four.

Latest on Status of Ben Simmons & Jimmy Butler

UPDATE: Ben Simmons will play Wednesday.

The Sixers ruled out Butler, but Simmons remains questionable for the game. Beyond that, Embiid’s status is now up in the air due to back tightness. It’s unlikely we’ll get word on either player until closer to tip. While the two players are listed as questionable, Dave Uram KYW News Radio shows that Simmons did not practice Tuesday while dealing with an upper respiratory infection.

We’ll update this post as the game gets closer, but this will mark Butler’s second consecutive game out due to injury. As for Simmons, he played through an illness previously, so there’s a good chance he does suit up. Embiid has been playing through back issues but was not on the original injury report, so that’s not a great sign.

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