Sixers evaluate the return of Nic Batum from injury in loss to Bulls
The Philadelphia 76ers ended a tough 4-game road trip with a 105-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. The Sixers were missing Joel Embiid for the fourth consecutive game, it was the second night of a back-to-back, and it was their third game in four nights.
The Sixers as a team shot just 39.1% from the floor compared to 50.6% for the Bulls. Philadelphia looked a bit tired, which makes sense when considering the trip, and will look to head home and prepare for a rematch with these same Bulls.
On a positive note, the Sixers did have Nic Batum return from a right hamstring strain. The veteran missed five games with that injury suffered on Dec. 18 in a loss to the Bulls at home. Batum had nine points and knocked down three triples off the bench.
“It was good,” Nurse told reporters about Batum’s night. “I mean, it was on a fairly limited minutes restriction, right? I think 18 to 20 was the limits we were trying to run him in about five-minute spurts, but he certainly had a couple of shots, quick-release 3-balls, made a couple good passes. It’s good to have him back out there.”
Batum is such an important piece to this group. He looked a step slow on defense to start, but as he got his legs back under him, he was then able to contribute more on that end of the floor. It really was an impressive run for him when considering the time away plus the injury.
“He did great,” added Tobias Harris. “I his defensive intensity, pressure. He’s giving us his all out there. So to be out and come back and give that type energy was great for us. I thought he was awesome.”
The Sixers will return home on Tuesday to play host to these same Bulls as they move forward.
