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The 76ers have recalled Justin Patton from the Delaware Blue Coats. He’ll be traveling with the team to Oklahoma for Thursday’s matchup against the Thunder. It’s unclear if he will see game action but they could certainly use an extra body so it would not be a surprise to see him out there.
With Joel Embiid (knee tendinitis) and Boban Marjanović (knee sprain) already ruled out, the team is down to precious few serviceable bodies at the center position.
Jonah Bolden is a rookie who has shown flashes of two-way play. Veteran Amir Johnson has struggled to crack the rotation all year because of declining play.
Patton was the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, but his pro career has been so far derailed by pair of foot injuries, a Jones Fracture in each of his feet. It’s the same injury that 2018 16th overall pick Zhaire Smith had.
Justin Patton will join the Sixers for tomorrow's game against the Thunder. He's averaged 11.3 pts, 5.3 rebs, and 2.3 blocks in seven games with the Blue Coats.
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) February 27, 2019
If you want to know more about Patton, I did a feature on him in December: https://t.co/J9sg66tNJl
In 7 games so far with the Blue Coats, Patton has averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.
His per 36 minutes numbers are more impressive with averages of 22.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks.
If he sees game action he will have his work cut out for him. Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel have formed a formidable center duo for the Thunder (38-22) who have rattled off 19 consecutive wins against the Sixers. The road matchup is 8:00pm in Oklahoma tomorrow.