8Breakdown
Performance
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January 8, 2026
Not part of rotation in return
Watford (adductor) played the final 4:45 of Wednesday's 131-110 win over the Wizards, finishing with three assists and no other statistics during his time on the court.
Analysis
Available to play for the first time since Nov. 25 after a lengthy absence due to a left adductor strain, Watford wasn't included in head coach Nick Nurse's main rotation, as he didn't enter the contest until the 76ers had already built a 17-point lead in the waning minutes of the game. The 25-year-old forward could eventually emerge as a rotation option once he's further removed from the adductor strain, but he may need the 76ers to be without one or more key contributors in order to see meaningful minutes.
January 7, 2026
Available to play
Watford (thigh) is available to play Wednesday versus Washington.
Analysis
Head coach Nick Nurse hinted during his pregame media availability Wednesday that while Watford may be available, he might not see the floor in his first game back from a lengthy layoff. With Kelly Oubre (knee) also set to return Wednesday, Watford might not be a consistent part of the rotation moving forward.
January 7, 2026
Limited if available
Watford (thigh) will have a heavy minutes restriction if he plays in Wednesday's game against Washington, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.
Analysis
Watford is labeled as probable for Wednesday's game, but it's unclear what role he'll play if active. He's been unavailable since Nov. 25 due to a thigh strain.
January 7, 2026
Probable for Wednesday
Watford (thigh) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Wizards.
Analysis
Watford, who has been sidelined since picking up his thigh strain Nov. 25, is now expected to return from a lengthy absence. The 76ers are pretty healthy these days, so it will be interesting to see what type of role Watford is able to carve out.
January 6, 2026
Lands questionable tag
Watford is questionable for Wednesday's game against Washington due to a left adductor strain.
Analysis
Watford sustained the strain during the Nov. 25 loss to the Magic and hasn't appeared since, though it sounds like he's on the verge of returning to action. It's unclear what kind of role he may have upon his eventual return, as it's likely Watford will face a minutes restriction right off the bat. His potential return could be bad news for the playing time of Dominick Barlow in the frontcourt, though.
January 4, 2026
Still out for Monday
Watford (adductor) will remain on the inactive list for Monday's game against the Nuggets.
Analysis
Watford appears to be on the cusp of a return, as he was recently cleared for full-contact, 5-on-5 work. However, Monday will mark his 17th straight game on the sidelines. Watford's next chance to play will come Wednesday versus the Wizards.
January 3, 2026
Ready for 5-on-5
Watford (thigh) will be cleared for 5-on-5 practice Sunday, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.
Analysis
Watford hasn't played since Nov. 25 due to a left adductor strain, but the forward is set to return in the near future. Across 14 appearances this season, Watford has produced averages of 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 20.4 minutes per contest.