76ers vs. Bulls Injury Report: PJ Tucker’s Playing Status
The Philadelphia 76ers will be down a key player on Monday night when they host the Chicago Bulls for the second time this season. Per the team’s injury report, Sixers forward PJ Tucker was questionable with ankle soreness.
Tucker’s ankle soreness started over the weekend. Following a dominant Philadelphia win over the Charlotte Hornets last Friday night, Tucker was added to the Sixers’ injury report ahead of their matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
Considering it was the second night of a back-to-back set of games, there was a good chance Tucker could get the night off. That turned out to be the case, as Tucker was ruled out against the Pacers.
While it seemed Tucker was just getting a rest night, perhaps his recent setback is a little more concerning than initially thought. Going into Monday’s game, Tucker has a 50/50 chance to play.
However, the veteran didn’t participate in the team’s morning shootaround on Monday, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. As a result there was reportedly a chance Tucker would miss the game on Monday night.
Despite entering the 2022-2023 season coming off of knee surgery, Tucker has been one of the healthiest Sixers this season. Not only has he played in all but four of the team’s 70 games this year, but Tucker hasn’t missed consecutive matchups. A Monday night in late March could be the first time it happens this year.
When Tucker missed Saturday’s game in Indiana, the veteran Danuel House Jr. filled in. Since James Harden is expected to make his return to the Sixers’ lineup on Monday, there is a good chance Philadelphia will shift Tobias Harris to the four to replace Tucker while inserting De’Anthony Melton into the starting five once again.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
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