Two-way guard Jeff Dowtin can play in only three of the Sixers’ remaining games
That’s a harsh reality for the makeshift Sixers, who have nine players sidelined for Wednesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
Jeff Dowtin’s availability with the 76ers is dwindling.
As a two-way player, the point guard is allotted only 50 regular-season games because of the contract he signed before the season. Dowtin has been listed as active 47 times this year, making him eligible for just three of the Sixers’ remaining 10 games.
That’s a harsh reality for the makeshift squad, which has nine players sidelined Wednesday for the game against the Washington Wizards at the Wells Fargo Center.
Dowtin played against the New Orleans Pelicans (Monday) and Atlanta Hawks (Sunday) after being inactive against the San Antonio Spurs (Friday) and Oklahoma City Thunder (March 19).
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“For me, it’s just stay prepared, stay locked-in,” Dowtin said of coping with his situation. “Some nights you are not going to play, sometimes you are going to play. Some nights you are going to come off the bench. Obviously, I started [Sunday]. You [have to] just be ready for the opportunity.
“I try to carry each day like it’s a game day no matter if I’m active or inactive.”
The 27-year-old is averaging 6.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 38 appearances, including two starts this season. He’s shooting 39.7% on three-pointers.
Dowtin had 12 points and a career-high three blocks in Monday’s 112-99 loss to the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
Sixers sign Wheeler
Phillip Wheeler signed a 10-day contract with the Sixers on Wednesday. Chuma Okeke’s second 10-day contract with the team expired Tuesday night.
Wheeler, a 6-8 forward, has averaged 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds this season for the Maine Celtics and Texas Legends of the G League. The New Jersey native has career averages of 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds over four G League seasons with five teams. Wheeler will wear No. 36 and is expected to be available for Wednesday’s game.
Meanwhile, Okeke is back with the Westchester Knicks, New York’s NBA G League affiliate.
» READ MORE: Sixers sign Delaware Blue Coats forward Marcus Bagley to 10-day contract
Okeke averaged 6.9 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 45.5% from three in seven Sixers games, including three starts. The Atlanta native had his best performance in the team’s 33-point loss to the Thunder, producing a 14-point, 15-rebound effort. He made 4 of 5 three-pointers that night.
The Sixers signed forward Marcus Bagley to a 10-day contract on Monday.