Sixers' Kelly Oubre Jr. gives update on recovery from knee injury

As the Philadelphia 76ers move forward with their 2025-26 season, they are looking to get healthier. While Joel Embiid and Paul George have been able to string some games together, the Sixers have been without a key versatile piece to this team.

Kelly Oubre Jr. has not played since Nov. 14 due to a left knee sprain in the midst of playing the best basketball of his career. In the 12 games Oubre has played, he's averaging 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and shooting 49.7% from the floor and 34.3% from deep.

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Speaking with reporters, Oubre gave an update on where he's at in his injury recovery.

"I wouldn't say it's been easy, but just taking it day by day from the moment it happened to now," he told reporters. "I think I've done a good job of keeping my head above water and just trying to focus on the rehab just like as if I was playing. I put that same energy into recovery and rehab, as if I was in the game and staying locked in around the guys. So, I think I've been able to pass the time by doing that."

Oubre's game is focused on his ability to bring a lot of athleticism to the floor while doing whatever it is the coaching staff asks of him. He is a top-flight defender while also providing an offensive presence from the perimeter with his ability to attack the basket and knock down open shots.

That's why it's important for him to get that 5-on-5 action in order to get back into that important rhythm he's looking for.

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"I'm doing a lot of running, but I'm also doing a lot of playing now and individual skill work, but obviously getting to that 5-on-5, and that actual live bump where I'm moving around and constantly guarding full court, that's the next step for me," he finished. "Other than that, yeah, I'm just going off pain management. You know, no pain, but obviously I have to get stronger in certain areas, get my wind up again, but yeah, so 5-on-5 sprints, rehab, same routine, but just getting a little more intense."

The Sixers will finish their 5-game road trip when they take on the New York Knicks on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' Kelly Oubre Jr. gives update on recovery from knee injury