Jared McCain’s performance in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 121–114 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena came during his continued return from multiple injuries, as the team navigates ongoing roster instability. Although his shooting efficiency lagged, McCain remained involved throughout the game and played a meaningful role in the outcome.
McCain finished with 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field and 1-of-5 from three-point range. He added five rebounds, five assists, and three steals, reaching double figures in scoring for the second straight game. His activity on loose balls and defensive possessions stood out and drew praise from head coach Nick Nurse after the game.
“I thought Jared was terrific,” Nurse said. “This is a prime example of how someone can play extremely well, despite having a tough shooting night. He made things happen offensively. He stuck his nose in there and grabbed a bunch of loose balls. He poked a lot of balls away. He did a bunch of the little things that helped us tonight.”
Nurse also spoke about McCain’s ongoing physical progress.
“He’s still in the process of putting it all together. But you can see that he’s getting into better shape. One of these night’s he’s going to make 7 of 10 from 3-point range. That’s definitely coming.”
McCain is working his way through his second NBA season after a disrupted start to his career. The 76ers selected him in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft out of Duke, but his rookie year was limited to 23 games due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. His return was delayed again when he tore the UCL in his right thumb shortly before training camp for the current season.
Through his appearances this season, McCain is averaging 7.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 35.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range. During his college career at Duke, he shot 41.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Health has remained an ongoing issue for the 76ers throughout the 2025–26 season. Joel Embiid and Paul George have each missed time, contributing to lineup variability and influencing how games have been priced in betting markets. Before Saturday’s matchup, previews listed Dallas as a slight underdog at around +1.5, citing uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s availability, while the total was set at 228.5.
In futures markets, BetMGM lists Philadelphia at +1600 to win the Eastern Conference, compared to preseason odds of +1500. Market tracking during December showed the 76ers’ conference odds shifting from approximately 11/1 to 16/1. Championship odds have placed Philadelphia deeper in the long-shot range, with prices listed from +4500 to as long as 60-1.
McCain’s personal progress became more visible over consecutive nights. In Friday’s road win over the New York Knicks, he played 21 minutes, scored 12 points, and finished the game. After that contest, he spoke about his comfort level without the thumb brace.
“Yeah, I felt great,” McCain said. “Being able to play without the thumb brace, just trying to get used to that now and just feeling back to myself. Just continuing to get back to myself and the aggression and confidence that I play with.”
Less than 24 hours later, McCain logged 30 minutes against Dallas, again scoring 12 points and closing the game. After Saturday’s win, he addressed his health.
“I feel like my knee feels great,” McCain said. “I feel great. So I’m just happy and blessed to just go out there and play, man. It’s such a great feeling to get in the game.”
He also spoke about being on the floor late.
“It’s amazing,” McCain said. “I feel like even when I was out there for the last few minutes, I was like, ‘Damn I’m finishing the game. I feel like it’s been a while.’ So, just trying to do my best defensively to stay on the floor, and then I know the offense will come.”
It was the first time this season that McCain, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie V.J. Edgecombe each played at least 30 minutes in the same game. Injuries had limited their shared court time earlier in the year. With Embiid and George unavailable and Quentin Grimes struggling, Nick Nurse relied heavily on his guards.
Maxey scored a game-high 38 points in 41 minutes. Edgecombe finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and his defense against rookie Cooper Flagg late in the game made a difference. McCain added a three-pointer late, assisted Adem Bona on a corner three, and set up Edgecombe on a slashing layup during a decisive stretch.
The guard-driven attack created scoring opportunities for others, including starting power forward Dominick Barlow, who scored a season-high 21 points and recorded his fourth straight game in double figures. The win moved Philadelphia to 16–11 on the season and into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with six wins in its last eight games despite frequent absences from Embiid, George, and starting forward Kelly Oubre.
