76ers News: Robert Covington Expects to Play vs. Raptors
Coming off their win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Philadelphia 76ers finish out their home stand Friday against the Raptors. They have multiple names on the injury report, but one player expects to make his return to the lineup.
On Wednesday night, Robert Covington was out of action. However, the veteran forward is hoping to make his return to action. Following shootaround on Friday morning, Covington told reporters he is expecting to play. He is currently listed as probable due to an illness.
Aside from Covington, the other two Sixers on the injury report are De'Anthony Melton and Nic Batum. Melton remains questionable, but did not take part in shootaround. As for Batum, he has already been ruled out.
With multiple players potentially being on the sidelines, getting Covington back could be a big boost for the Sixers. Since coming over in the James Harden trade, he has carved out a role for himself on the defensive-minded second unit.
If Covington does suit up, he could find himself inserted into the starting lineup. With Batum out of action, Nick Nurse has a decision to make at forward. Covington could step into that role, with Kelly Oubre Jr. being another viable option.
As a three-and-D wing like Batum, Covington can be an easy player to plug into the starting lineup. This would also allow Nurse to keep Oubre with the second unit, where he can provide more of an offensive punch.
During his second run with the Sixers, Covington has seen his role with the team fluctuate. He's started six games so far for the Sixers this season, but has primarily come off the bench. In the few games he did run with the first unit, he averaged 5.5 PPG and 3.7 RPG.
