Dean Wade Ruled Out Again as Sixers Frontcourt Rotation Shifts

The Philadelphia 76ers will have to wait a little longer to see their $9 million investment hit the floor. Dean Wade has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a lingering left ankle sprain.

Wade originally tweaked the ankle during the first half of a preseason finale loss to the Boston Celtics. Missing a meaningless exhibition game is one thing, but sitting out the start of the regular season means his current salary breaks down to an infinite amount of dollars per point scored.

"Underdog NBA reported: 'Dean Wade (ankle) listed out Thursday.'"

The Sixers managed just fine without him on Tuesday, grinding out a 106-100 opening night win over the New York Knicks. But Wade was supposed to be a reliable rotation piece this year. Last season, he averaged 4.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 21 minutes per game while posting a highly efficient 117.9 offensive rating off the bench.

Unfortunately, you cannot post an offensive rating in street clothes. With Wade sidelined again, the immediate trickle-down effect hits the rotation. Jabari Walker is in line to absorb those vacant frontcourt minutes, which is the exact kind of usage shift prop bettors need to circle before tipoff.

There is a sliver of good news for Philadelphia fans. Wade was reportedly active during Thursday's morning shootaround before the medical staff pulled the plug. He is clearly trending in the right direction, but for now, the Sixers will have to try and start their season 2-0 without him.