Sixers Notes: Sixers say little about Wroten's sore ankle

WASHINGTON - The 76ers said Tony Wroten's sprained right ankle is better than they originally thought.

The sixth man was not available for Monday's 107-99 loss to the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center. Neither was reserve forward Brandon Davies (dislocated right little finger).

"He's in an ankle boot and gets the repetitive treatment," coach Brett Brown said of Wroten. "It's been good, just trying to stay on it. But it looks like it could linger for a while."

The Sixers would not say how long. Neither Wroten nor Brown would disclose the grade of the sprain.

"I don't want to rush any injury," Wroten said. "It's a long season. A sprained ankle, if you don't take care of it, it can go on long in your career. So I'm just taking my time and waiting until I'm back 100 percent."

The backup point guard was hurt early in the second quarter of Saturday's 103-78 setback at the Chicago Bulls. He sprained his ankle when he stepped on the foot of Bulls center Nazr Mohammed underneath the Chicago basket. Wroten lay in pain on the floor for several seconds, clutching his right ankle before there was a stoppage of play. Lavoy Allen tripped over his fallen teammate while the action was live.

Wroten was examined on the floor and had to be helped to the locker room by teammates.

Monday marked the fifth game that the 6-foot-6, 205-pounder has missed because of injury or illness. Wroten missed two games with a lower-back strain. He missed games against the Minnesota Timberwolves (Jan. 6) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (Jan. 7) with flu symptoms and a migraine headache.

Davies was hurt in the closing seconds against the Bulls.

Dewayne Dedmon is making the most of his 10-day contract. The 7-foot center has averaged 3.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.25 blocked shots, and 16.3 minutes in four games with the Sixers. His best performance came against the Bulls when he scored eight points on 4-for-5 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.

"How can you not be excited about him?" Brown said. "He's a 7-footer who gets up and down the floor. He plays with tenacity."

Dedmon's 10-day contract expires on Thursday. The Sixers have an option to sign him to another 10-day deal.

"This is a good experience," Dedmon said. "I'm enjoying this opportunity. I'm just trying to make the most of it."