76ers players are confident Jared McCain is OK after injury scare

Jared McCain suffered a serious fall late in the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets. The Philadelphia 76ers initially couldn’t get up. Struggling to catch his breath, McCain received the attention of medical staff.

Because the game was so late, McCain had to miss the rest of the action. As he was helped to get off the field and make his way back to the locker room, McCain was eventually taken to the hospital.

According to a team official, the young player required further evaluation and would be evaluated for a possible concussion.

The scene was difficult for Nick Nurse to watch.

“It was tough,” the Sixers head coach said. “I got the report, he is going to the hospital to get checked. Apparently he was having some trouble breathing there, maybe he had run out of air, but he wasn’t sure what was going on there. I’ve never seen anything like it. So let’s hope he’s fine and see the report from the hospital.”

Veteran forward Kelly Oubre believes his teammate will be good.

“He’s fine,” Oubre said. “It was very scary. Luckily he caught himself. He didn’t fall flat on his back. He’ll feel it tomorrow. That’s exactly what we told him. He just needs to take it easy and make sure he’s 100 percent ready for opening night.”

Reserve guard Jeff Dowtin saw the situation the same way Oubre did.

“This is our brother. This is our teammate,” Dowtin added. “I think everything will be fine. You know, of course we pray for him. He is a warrior. A tough, persistent player. Everything will be fine. We wish him nothing but the best at the moment.”

The Sixers will update McCain’s status once they know more. On Friday, the 76ers take on the Orlando Magic, a matchup that marks the preseason finale for Philadelphia. At the moment it is unclear whether McCain will play. If he cannot be cleared for Friday’s game, all eyes will be on the Sixers’ injury report for next Wednesday’s opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.