Tobias Harris’ knee MRI reveals no structural damage, he’s out tomorrow vs. Cavs with contusion

A sigh of relief for the Sixers, Tobias Harris’ knee injury appears to be of the “not a disaster” variety. While a knee contusion, the diagnosis offered by Shams Charania of the Athletic and Stadium, is probably not fun, what fans were really on edge about was the possibility of the ten-year forward out of Tennessee who exited the last game against the Mavs, missing extended time. And let’s be honest, you’re never super excited to hear one of your team’s best players needs an MRI for a knee injury. But alas, it seems to be OK. Harris is in the midst of a career year, he’s improved both offensively and defensively. Averaging 20.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 41% from deep on over 4 attempts per game, he’s doing more for this franchise than at any point since he was acquired back in early 2019.

I know people often cite his campaign in Los Angeles as his best season but the truth is, he’s playing similarly well now but also contributing on a title contender this go round and playing alongside two All-Stars. To me, that carries much weight than a .500 season. One wonders if he is disappointed he did not make the team as a reserve, he certainly had a case to make the team although if he had he might have stolen a spot from his teammate Ben Simmons, who is making a leap of his own recently. The Sixers for a long time now have not had a player who can dribble, pass, and shoot and Harris is one of the few who can, earning increased responsibility with better efficiency, under former coach Doc Rivers, who seems to really get him.

The Long Island native has been ruled out for the next game against the Cavs, but it does seem as if he may not miss serious time with this one. Again a massive sigh of relief for fans, who have come to appreciate his night in and night out contributions, as well as his iron man rep, playing in the vast majority of games he’s eligible for. This dude even came back into a game after a gruesome fall in the bubble when he landed on his head, so he’s about as tough and durable as they come.