Oubre back on practice court as Sixers prep for final group-stage game originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Nine days after suffering a fractured rib, Kelly Oubre Jr. was back on the basketball court at the Sixers’ training complex in Camden, New Jersey.
Oubre sustained the injury on Nov. 11 when he was walking in Philadelphia and struck by a motor vehicle, the Sixers said.
He’s progressed to the point where Sixers vice president of athlete care Simon Rice and the team’s medical staff cleared him to do non-contact drills after Monday’s practice with assistant coach Rico Hines.
“It was his first day back on court,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said. “Simon has told me that today and tomorrow are pretty critical in the evaluation. I think getting him moving was the first step. Getting him into some contact and things is the next step. I think after tomorrow we’ll have a little better read on the timeline.”
Patrick Beverley was enthused about Oubre’s return to the floor.
“Obviously we miss his play, but just his swag, his energy,” Beverley said. “Just good to see his face, good to know he’s cool. We’re supporting him through it all, so it’s good to have him back out here.”
Next up for the 10-3 Sixers is a Tuesday evening matchup vs. Cleveland, which is their final group-stage game of the NBA’s in-season tournament. The 7-6 Cavs extended their winning streak to three games Sunday by beating the defending champion Nuggets.
Oubre was the one Sixer on Monday night’s injury report. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro and Ty Jerome are sidelined. Caris LeVert is questionable with left knee soreness.
If the Sixers lose, they’ll be eliminated from the in-season tournament. If they win, a quarterfinals spot is still possible, contingent on other results falling the team’s way.
“I think it’s a good test and good for us to be in a competitive situation with a little more on the line than just a regular-season game — and against a very good team who’s playing very well,” Nurse said. “Looking forward to it.”
You can count Beverley among those who have enjoyed the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/oubre-back-practice-court-sixers-013911904.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2023-11-21 01:39:11
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