Sixers Injury Update: Nerlens Noel doubtful vs. Bulls

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Nerlens Noel will likely miss his first game of the season Friday when the Sixers host the Bulls. 

Noel sprained his left ankle in Wednesday's two-point loss to the Magic. He left the game with 8:16 to go in the third quarter and he did not return. 

Noel was at practice Thursday but he did not participate.

"I thought he was going to practice today," Brown said. "He had to pull out of some early drills, and we don't expect him to play tomorrow."

Noel did not speak after Thursday's practice, but Wednesday after the game he did not seem overly concerned about the injury.

"I was next to somebody," Noel said. "I don't know if I stepped on his foot or not. It wasn't that bad. There was very little swelling. I will get in early [Thursday] and get some rehab."

Noel received treatment on the ankle Thursday morning, and during practice he rode a stationary bike. On the court, he just was not himself.  

"He felt he couldn't move the way that we wanted him to move today," Brown said. "I don't like playing anybody unless they have had a practice, so even if he could jump up tomorrow I would want to practice him to earn the right to play."

Noel is averaging 7.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 blocks. 

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