Noel: Ankle Sprain "Not Too Bad At All"

Lost in the commotion of Wednesday's game which featured a game-winning shot at the buzzer from Tobias Harris and one earth shattering dunk from K.J. McDaniels was the news of Nerlens Noel's injury. He exited the game early in the 3rd quarter with a left ankle sprain, and did not return in the 91-89 loss.

However, Noel seemed less than worried about his most recent ailment. Courtesy of Bob Cooney:

"It's not too bad at all," Noel said. "I'll make sure I get this rehabbed in the next couple of days and get back on the court. I know there was someone next to me [when he sprained it]. I just came down on it and twisted it to the left. It wasn't that bad. I was able to walk on my own. It wasn't that bad at all. I'll just come to practice [today] and see how I feel and just get with the training staff early and get some rehab in.

Given Philadelphia's recent history of handling injuries and the way Noel spoke about it, missing tomorrow's contest against the Chicago Bulls seems more than likely. The Sixers then go on a four game road trip, including a complete Texas tour.

Noel also combatted an ankle injury during Summer League in Las Vegas and a thigh injury during the preseason. While these have luckily just been minor nicks and bruises, monitoring his health is going to be crucial in his first NBA season.

He is currently averaging 7.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks on the season.