McCain has been rehabbing from a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb, an injury suffered during a workout in September 2025 that sidelined him for the start of the 2025–26 regular season. Encouragingly, he appears to be ahead of schedule — a welcome development for a 76ers team off to a 4–0 start.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse also provided an injury update on McCain, who had a split removed from his surgically repaired hand.

Paul George (left knee surgery recovery), Dominick Barlow (right elbow laceration) and Jared McCain (right thumb surgery recovery) have been ruled out for the Sixers’ matchup with the 2-3 Celtics. Barlow will miss at least the next two games and be re-evaluated early next week, a team official said.

Nick Nurse reveals his plan for Jared McCain's return, and it could make the 76ers' guard rotation even more dangerous.

The Sixers will be taxed in Monday's matchup, to say the least. But they've jumped out to a 2-0 start largely on the back of their guard play.