Noel hopeful to return this season

CHICAGO – Nerlens Noel doesn't plan on shutting things down before Wednesday's season finale against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center.

The 76ers rookie power forward/center suffered a game-ending right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of this past Wednesday's home setback to the Washington Wizards. He will sit out Saturday's contest against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

"It's a legitimate sprain and I'm still nervous," coach Brett Brown said following Friday's practice at Quest Multisport. "I don't know if this means his season is finished.

"What we do know is he's not going to play tomorrow and we will be candid after the Bulls game."

Forward Luc Mbah a Moute will also miss the Saturday's matchup with a sore left shoulder. Like Noel, he'll be listed day-to-day following the game.

Point guard Ish Smith has a left groin injury. He's at 70 percent and is expected to play against Chicago (47-32). The Sixers (18-61) will look to snap their seven-game losing streak.

"The story should be we are the Red Cross," Brown joked about all the injured players.

Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers