76ers Missed Veteran Forward for Second-Straight Game vs. Celtics

For the second game in a row, the Philadelphia 76ers rolled without their veteran forward KJ Martin on Tuesday when they faced the Boston Celtics.

According to the Sixers’ injury report, Martin is dealing with a right ankle impingement.

Leading up to Tuesday’s matchup on the road in Boston, the Sixers initially had Matin listed as questionable for the matchup. The veteran was in attendance for the team’s morning shootaround and addressed reporters at TD Garden.

While he didn’t have a definitive playing status at that point, Martin mentioned that he was feeling “a bit better” over the last few days, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Noah Levick.

Hours later, the Sixers confirmed that his status would be out for the second straight game.

Lately, Martin’s been a regular in the Sixers’ rotation after a slow start with the team. Back in late October, Martin’s run with the Los Angeles Clippers was short-lived, as he was involved in the early morning blockbuster trade between the Sixers and the Clippers, which was headlined by the ten-time All-Star, James Harden.

Throughout his first months with the Sixers, Martin struggled to carve out consistent playing time. Through his first 15 games with the organization, Martin landed seven DNPs. In the games he did play, the veteran forward averaged just six minutes.

Martin’s role didn’t improve until late January. In the last 15 games he appeared in, Martin averaged 20 minutes of action and collected two starts in the absence of Nic Batum.

Throughout his recent stretch, Martin averaged 60 percent from the field, scoring seven points per game. While Martin has been benefitting from a shorthanded lineup, he’ll have to focus on his own recovery this week.

Following Tuesday’s game in Boston, the Sixers will return to the floor to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night at home. Martin’s status for that matchup remains unknown as he’s considered to be day-to-day.