Hawks vs. 76ers: Mac McClung, Jaden Springer's Playing Status

Going into their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will be short-staffed. Coming off of a blowout loss against the Miami Heat on Thursday night, the Sixers don’t see a need to risk trotting out their key players when they have nothing to gain in the standings.

According to the injury report, the Sixers will be down five starters on Friday night. On Friday afternoon, the Sixers ruled out Joel Embiid, PJ Tucker, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey. Tobias Harris, who was initially questionable, will also get the night off.

In addition to the usual starters, the Sixers also listed De’Anthony Melton on the injury report as doubtful due to calf tightness. Although Melton played for over 20 minutes in Thursday’s game after being listed as questionable, he was pulled from the game early as his calf was bothering him. Melton will get a full night of rest on Friday.

Lastly, the Sixers had Jaden Springer listed as questionable due to an ankle sprain. As Springer just competed with the Delaware Blue Coats throughout their 2023 NBA G League Finals run, there was a chance he could get the night off on Friday. However, the Sixers will roll Springer out as he's cleared for action.

As for the Sixers’ two-way prospects Mac McClung and Louis King, they have been removed from the injury report, deeming them available for Philadelphia on Friday night. With the team being undermanned, there’s a good chance McClung and King could make their Sixers debuts against the Hawks.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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