76ers Add Jalen McDaniels to Game 3 Injury Report vs. Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the first two games of the 2023 NBA Playoffs with an empty injury report. Despite dealing with some key minor setbacks down the stretch of the 2022-2023 NBA season, the Sixers were fortunate to have a healthy squad at the start of the postseason.

When the Sixers take the floor on Thursday night in Brooklyn, that may no longer be the case. 

According to the Sixers’ Game 3 injury report, Philadelphia veteran wing Jalen McDaniels is dealing with a non-COVID illness. Therefore, he’s questionable for Game 3.

Prior to the current playoff run, McDaniels never appeared in a playoff series. As he’s played for the Charlotte Hornets since entering the NBA, McDaniels wasn’t on a team that achieved a record that would qualify for postseason play.

Last Saturday’s Game 1 versus Brooklyn was McDaniels’ official playoff debut. The young wing checked into Game 1 for a 17-minute shift. He knocked down both of his shots from the field, with one of them coming from beyond the arc.

McDaniels wrapped up his first playoff outing with five points, four rebounds, and two assists in the 20-point victory for the 76ers. 

“He was great,” said Sixers head coach Doc Rivers, regarding McDaniels’ Age 1 performance. “I thought him and [De’Anthony Melton], at times, you had to remind them that they were guarding the best player, and they were over-helping and lost sight of their guys a couple of times and got beat off the dribble because of that. Other than that, Jalen is a factor because of his ability to handle the ball in the paint. He made a great play to Paul Reed, he made another one where he threw it out, and he can finish with his size. So he’s a big factor for us.”

On Monday night, the Sixers hosted the Nets for Game 2. McDaniels picked up a more extended shift, checking in for 22 minutes. 

Unfortunately, the veteran failed to hit on any of his three shot attempts. While he finished the game with zero points, McDaniels still snagged two rebounds and two assists. He finished as a plus-13 in the 12-point win.

The Sixers and the Nets will meet once again on Thursday for Game 3. This time, the matchup will take place in Brooklyn. McDaniels will likely be a game-time decision, with his playing status depending on how he feels throughout the day.