Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is still finding his rhythm after a lengthy injury absence, but Sunday offered an encouraging step forward.
After shooting a combined 1-of-9 in his first two games back, he showed signs of progress by scoring 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while also setting season highs with four steals and three blocks, as noted by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Oubre admitted the night was as much about rebuilding confidence as it was about numbers.
“It definitely felt good,” he said, before acknowledging there is still hesitation in his game.
He pointed to a blocked shot as an example of second-guessing himself, explaining that regaining full trust in the work he has put in remains a process.
The player emphasized that reviewing film, staying consistent, and showing up daily are his focus, adding that simply being back on the floor for extended minutes was a positive step.
Oubre was part of the starting lineup alongside Dominick Barlow due to a late absence from Paul George, who was scratched with left knee soreness.
That temporary adjustment, however, has opened a broader discussion about lineup construction moving forward.
Head coach Nick Nurse will eventually need to make a tough call once George is fully available again.
In a mailbag column, Pompey suggested that despite how close the decision may be, the team could benefit more from keeping Barlow in the starting group.
Doing so would allow George to avoid extended minutes at power forward and instead stay on the perimeter, where defending comes more naturally and efficiently for him.
Sixers Notes: Lowry, Oubre, Barlow, Embiid https://t.co/B3EnD9qLRG pic.twitter.com/bBnaHZII0Q
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 12, 2026
