76ers' Nic Batum Could See Extended Absence Into Next Week

Since getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, former Los Angeles Clippers veteran Nic Batum has carved out a starting role for himself on the Sixers. After coming off the bench in his first three appearances with the squad, Batum has started in 14 straight games.

Unfortunately, there have been absences sprinkled in between those games. Currently, Batum is dealing with a setback that is sure to extend his total absences during the 2022-2023 season.

Since joining the Sixers, Batum has missed eight games. His most recent setback occurred during the team’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls this past Monday night. After spending a little over 25 minutes on the court, Batum went to the locker room to get evaluated for an injury.

He was diagnosed with a hamstring strain, which led Batum to miss all of the fourth quarter. The Sixers fell short against the Bulls in his absence, losing by four points. Two nights later, the Sixers returned to the court to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nick Nurse and the Sixers didn’t waste any time with Batum’s status. Knowing he wasn’t ready to practice on Tuesday, the team ruled Batum out for Wednesday’s matchup early. The trend continued on Friday night when the Sixers hosted the Toronto Raptors for the second and final time this season.

While the Sixers aren’t under the impression that Batum’s setback is severe enough to put a multi-week timeline for recovery in place, it appears that he could rack up more absences next week.

On Monday, the Sixers will go head-to-head with the Miami Heat for a Christmas Day battle. Following a practice session on Saturday, Nick Nurse reportedly mentioned that Batum’s “earliest possible date” for a return would be next Wednesday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic, according to ClutchPoints’ Sam DiGiovanni.

Assuming Batum misses Monday’s battle in Miami, he would miss a third-straight game for the second time since he joined the Sixers. And if he fails to suit up against the Magic, Batum would collect his tenth absence as a Sixer.

While the veteran’s absence from the starting five certainly puts the 76ers in a tough spot, they are better off being careful with all of their key veterans this early on in the year.

The Sixers aren’t ready to put a timeline on Batum’s return. Considering there’s a legitimate chance he could miss the two-game stint down in Florida, the earliest he might return would be next Friday against the Houston Rockets.