76ers Rule Out De'Anthony Melton for Rest of Heat Matchup

During a Thursday night matchup against the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton was pulled early.

According to a Sixers official, Melton will not return to Thursday’s game as he’s been ruled out with calf tightness. Melton’s in-game setback doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

Going into Thursday’s game, the Sixers considered sitting Melton out. As the veteran guard was on the injury report in hours leading up to the matchup, Melton was considered questionable to play. After going through pregame warmups, Melton was cleared for action.

With Tyrese Maxey out for the night due to neck stiffness, Melton got the nod to start. It was Melton’s 58th start of the year. He appeared in the first half as the Sixers struggled to compete with the Heat.

Toward the end of the third quarter, Melton was ruled out for the game. He finished the night after a 21-minute shift. The guard wrapped up the game 1-5 from the field, with all of his attempts coming from deep. Along with his three points, Melton produced four rebounds, two assists, and one block.

Considering the Sixers were down big going into the fourth quarter, Melton’s absence for the remainder of the matchup is likely precautionary.

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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