76ers vs. Bulls: Explaining Nic Batum’s Crunch Time Absence

The Philadelphia 76ers could’ve used a lot more help on offense from their supporting cast on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls, especially down the stretch as they attempted to complete the comeback after struggling late in the first half, which caused a double-digit deficit.

Unfortunately, one of Philly’s most significant helping hands, Nic Batum, was off the floor during the most critical moments of the matchup.

Batum’s absence against the Bulls in the fourth quarter was mysterious at the time. After the game, a team official revealed that Batum was held out due to an injury that he suffered in the game.

Right hamstring tightness was the result of Batum’s early night off. After the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse discussed the state of the setback, hinting that Batum might not be dealing with anything too damaging, but the team can’t be so sure right now.

“It’s sore,” Nurse told reporters on Monday after the matchup. “I think they don’t think it’s anything too major, but they just said it’s sore right now. They want to obviously take a look at it more in-depth tomorrow.”

Batum wrapped up Monday’s game with three points in a little under 27 minutes of action. While his scoring wasn’t much of a factor, Batum’s passing and rebounding are critical for the 76ers’ starting five. They missed him in the fourth quarter, as the Sixers collected their first loss in seven games, coming up short against the Bulls 108-104.

While Batum has been a stellar addition from the Los Angeles Clippers, the veteran has had his fair share of absences already this season due to personal reasons and a minor physical setback. Since the trade went through, Batum has sat out in seven of his first 16 games with the 76ers.

On Tuesday, the Sixers will return to practice. The hope is that Batum’s setback is nothing more than soreness, as they have a critical matchup approaching on Wednesday.