76ers: Nick Nurse Explains Furkan Korkmaz’s Absence vs. Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers went into their preseason opener against the Boston Celtics down a few players. However, only one of their guys was suffering a setback.

Sixers veteran sharpshooter Furkan Korkmaz was among those who were ruled out for Sunday’s preseason opener against Boston. According to 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, Korkmaz is currently dealing with a leg strain.

“We have a couple of guys ramping into condition to be able to play a game,” Nurse told reporters before the game. “One guy that’s kind of overworked a little bit, so we’re giving him this one off as well. We got one injury, which is Furk. Fuk’s got a bit of a strain, and he’s probably a few days away from getting back to action.”

Korkmaz’s absence on Sunday is unfortunate for the veteran. Although he’s been with the team for the last six seasons, Korkmaz struggled to maintain a consistent role in the Sixers’ rotation.

During Doc Rivers’ final run as the head coach, he trotted Korkmaz out on the floor for just 37 games last year. During that time, Korkmaz averaged fewer than ten minutes per game for the first time since his rookie effort, when he made just 14 appearances on the court.

The preseason should serve as a great opportunity for Korkmaz to win the new coaching staff over. Unfortunately, he won’t get the opportunity to compete on Sunday night as he recovers from a strain. Perhaps he’ll heal up for Wednesday’s rematch against Boston.

Aside from Korkmaz, the Sixers competed without Joel Embiid, James Harden, and De’Anthony Melton on Sunday. With Harden joining the team later than everybody else, he’s slightly behind everybody else in terms of conditioning. Embiid and Melton, on the other hand, are going to enter the game as healthy scratches, getting some additional rest after five straight practices.

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