Noel questionable with sore quad and calf

INDIANAPOLIS – Nerlens Noel is questionable for Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse due to a sore left quad and right calf.

The 76ers are leaning toward starting Henry Sims at center if Noel is unable to go.  The 6-foot-11, 221-pounder rookie said the soreness is result of his landing awkwardly while going for a rebound in the third quarter of Friday's 89-81 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Noel left the game with 3 minutes, 37 seconds remaining in the quarter and returned with 8:41 left in the game. Appearing fine, he scored nine of 14 points in the fourth quarter.

He said the soreness was "pretty bad" on Saturday. However, Noel added that he feels better Sunday.

"I'm going to get this treatment throughout the day," Noel said, "and hopefully I will be able to go."

The 20-year-old's absence would be a huge loss for the Sixers (13-45).

Noel averages a team-high 7.3 rebounds, 1.89 blocks and 1.61 steals. He also averaged 8.6 points per game. He leads all rookies with eight double-doubles.

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