76ers News: Nic Batum Expected to Return vs. Bulls

Heading into the second night of a back-to-back set, the Philadelphia 76ers are hopeful of getting a key starter back in the mix.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, the Sixers expect Nic Batum to play on Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls.

Lately, Batum’s been dealing with a hamstring strain. His recent injury occurred on December 18, as the Sixers took on the Chicago Bulls on their home court.

Batum managed to play for nearly 27 minutes in the four-point loss to the Bulls, but his absence throughout the entire fourth quarter was concerning. After the game, the Sixers confirmed that Batum was dealing with a setback, and it soon became clear he would miss time.

Two nights after the loss to the Bulls, the Sixers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves. Batum was ruled out for the seventh time since he joined the Sixers via trade.

Unfortunately, his absence against the Timberwolves wouldn’t be his last. Since going out against the Bulls, Batum missed the next five games for the 76ers. Before the Sixers paid a visit to the Miami Heat for a Christmas Day matchup, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that Batum expected to return at some point during their four-game road trip.

While Batum didn’t participate in the first three games of the trip, he is expected to suit up for the final outing of 2023, barring any unexpected setbacks.

This season, Batum has appeared in 17 games for the Sixers. After getting acclimated with the team, he earned a role in the starting lineup. Since debuting for Philly, Batum has averaged six points, four rebounds, and two assists while shooting 56 percent from the field and 49 percent from three.