NBA Notes: Sixers, Kelly Oubre Jr, Grizzlies, Christian Koloko, expansion

76ers

Kelly Oubre Jr. could be nearing a return.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse said earlier this week that Oubre, sidelined since Nov. 14 with a sprained left knee, may be able to return during Philadelphia’s current road trip.

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Oubre’s availability for Saturday’s game in New York could depend on whether he’s able to participate in a five-on-five scrimmage Friday.

Oubre has progressed steadily, taking part in three-on-three work Monday and four-on-four action Wednesday. He said he feels good physically but is leaving the final call to the medical staff.

“I’m just going off what the trainers and the docs say,” Oubre said, via Pompey. “I don’t feel any pain or shortness after workouts, which is a good sign.”

Philadelphia is also close to getting Trendon Watford back from an adductor injury, putting the Sixers closer to full health than they’ve been in some time.

Even with Oubre’s return looming, Nurse said Paul George will play “mostly” on the wing. Power forward minutes could be handled by committee, depending on the matchup.

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have been granted another hardship exception and will use it to bring back Christian Koloko on a second 10-day contract, Shams Charania of ESPN reported.

Koloko initially joined Memphis on Dec. 22 and appeared in five games, averaging 18.6 minutes and making one start. While his scoring was modest, he made an impact defensively and on the glass, with the Grizzlies posting a strong net rating during his minutes.

Memphis continues to deal with extended absences across the roster, which allowed the league to approve a second hardship exception.

After this deal expires, the Grizzlies will need to either sign Koloko for the rest of the season or move on, as teams cannot sign a player to three 10-day contracts.

NBA Expansion

While commissioner Adam Silver has said the league expects to make a decision on expansion in 2026, there is growing skepticism that the NBA can pursue domestic expansion and a European league at the same time.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN reports that stakeholders involved in both discussions believe launching the NBA’s planned European league, tentatively targeted for the fall of 2027, would likely push any expansion timeline back further.

If that proves to be the case, the league could prioritize Europe first and revisit adding teams in North America a year or two later.