76ers’ Patrick Beverley Leaves Matchup vs. Pistons With Injury
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Friday night battle against the Detroit Pistons did not go their way during the first half. Not only did the Sixers struggle against an undermanned Detroit team, but they lost their key guard, Patrick Beverley, early on in the game.
Beverley quietly left the matchup after picking up early minutes in the first quarter. As usual, he was one of the first players to check into the game, alongside the veteran forward Nic Batum.
After getting some early action, Beverley went back to the locker room to get evaluated for a potential injury. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, Beverley was dealing with neck pain on his right side. During the third quarter, the Sixers confirmed he would not return, per Pompey.
Beverley finished his night with just five minutes of playing time. He chucked up one shot, which didn’t fall successfully. He also collected an assist before his quick shift concluded.
Through the first seven games of the season, Beverley has been a key member of the Sixers’ bench. Heading into Friday’s game, Beverley averaged 17 minutes on the court. Although he’s struggled with his shot from beyond the arc, Beverley’s energy and defensive toughness have allowed him to be a real difference-maker for the Sixers’ second unit.
It’s unclear how severe Beverley’s setback is, but his injury situation is certainly something to monitor moving forward. With the Sixers lacking reserve ball-handlers beyond the starting unit of Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton, Beverley would be a notable loss on both ends of the floor for the bench.
