Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel will make his regular season debut on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly reported.
Noel, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in October, will play in a regular season game for the first time since last April.
“I felt great [to be cleared to play],” Noel said. “I was anticipating it so I got my mind right and this is what I’ve been working for throughout the whole rehab process. I’m feeling good and looking forward to it.”
Noel averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 67 games last season. His return comes at the right time with Joel Embiid set to miss Sunday’s game with elbow inflammation, which 76ers coach Brett Brown called “very minor.”
Brown couldn’t be happier to get the former No. 6 overall pick back on the floor.
“We miss playing with Nerlens, just his presence,” Okafor said. “He’s an athlete. Obviously we miss him on the defensive side. We miss him as a leader vocally. It’s just going to be great having him back on the floor.”
Noel will be challenged his first game back by Pistons center Andre Drummond, who is the league’s second-ranked rebounder with 13.6 per game.
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