CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers returned to practice on Wednesday to prepare for the final 28 games of the season following the All-Star break. The Sixers are 32-22 and fifth in the Eastern Conference as they head into this stretch run of the season.
The Sixers need to get healthy to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference. Not only will they need Joel Embiid (left knee meniscus) to return, but they also need Nic Batum, De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington and Tobias Harris back on the floor.
Batum hasn’t played since Jan. 29 due to a left hamstring strain. Melton hasn’t played since Jan. 12 due to lumbar spine stress response, and Covington hasn’t played since Dec. 30 due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Harris missed the final two games before the All-Star break due to a left hip impingement.
“Yeah, everybody was in today,” said coach Nick Nurse after practice. “Everybody was in the full practice other than Covington and Joel, obviously.”
It appears that the Sixers will get at least one of Batum and Melton back from injury on Thursday against the New York Knicks. Philadelphia will need versatility on both ends of the floor.
“I think Nico looks pretty likely,” Nurse added. “Melt, we’ve probably just got to make sure he’s OK tomorrow morning. I’d say we’ll get one, maybe both, but one for sure.”
Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton after practice today #Sixers pic.twitter.com/eFMBuRfapB
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 21, 2024
As far as Covington is concerned, the veteran out of Tennessee State doesn’t appear any closer to a return. Nurse is not sure when he will have him back on the floor.
“Not that I know of,” Nurse said of any Covington progression. “I did check with (VP of Athlete Care) Simon (Rice) today about where his status was, and he said probably return to play in like three weeks. So that’s out there a bit, but he did say that’s kind of what he thought today.”
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