The Philadelphia 76ers may be short a player when they battle the Cleveland Cavaliers in preseason action on Monday night.
According to The Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, reserve center Montrezl Harrell might be unavailable. The big man missed Sunday’s practice with a right intercostal strain. He is considered day-to-day.
Harrell has been as advertised through two preseason games. He’s bullied his way to the rim for baskets in the paint, bumping less physically solid defenders out of his way. He has also flashed the occasional quick post move or second effort for baskets off his own or teammates’ misses.
#Sixers reserve center Montrezl Harrell missed Sunday's practice with a right intercostal strain and is listed day-to-day.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 9, 2022
Intercostal injuries occur between the ribs. So, it’s not surprising Harrell could sustain such an injury given his physical style of play. It’s also understandable how sustaining one could cause irritation to that area if the bulldozer types play through it.
Should Harrell miss one or both of the remaining preseason games, it might serve as a last opportunity for backup big man Charles Bassey to earn a roster spot before the final cut. But, we’ll get a better idea of whether that has any chance of happening on Monday night.
Monday’s game between Philadelphia and Cleveland will tip off at 7 p.m. EDT. Fans can catch the action on NBA TV.
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