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Sixers' Noel sits because of sprained ankle

MILWAUKEE - Just after the team finished up its pregame individual workouts, the Sixers decided that center Nerlens Noel would not play against the Milwaukee Bucks because of a sprained left ankle.

MILWAUKEE

- Just after the team finished up its pregame individual workouts, the Sixers decided that center Nerlens Noel would not play against the Milwaukee Bucks because of a sprained left ankle.

"About 35 (minutes before the game) is when I found out," coach Brett Brown said of Noel's injury. Noel said after the game that he hurt the ankle in Saturday's loss to the Washington Wizards and didn't feel comfortable on it before the game. He said he should be back by Wednesday's home game against Toronto.

For the past several games, Noel has been the primary backup to starter Joel Embiid and has played well in that position. His injury, along with T.J. McConnell being out with a sprained right wrist and Richaun Holmes still on assignment with the Delaware 87ers, left the Sixers with only 10 players in the afternoon contest, which the Sixers won, 113-104.

Brown said before the game that the MRI performed on McConnell in Philadelphia on Monday showed no structural damage and that he didn't know how long the point guard would be out of action. McConnell also suffered his injury against the Wizards.

"(The MRI) came out negative," said Brown. "He has a strain, but there is no structural damage. In relation to what that means with regards to his return to play, I don't know that, yet."

McConnell had started the last seven games. During that time, the Sixers posted a 5-2 record. He also was in the starting lineup in a game at Detroit on Dec. 11, which the Sixers also won. During this past seven-game starting stint, McConnell has averaged 7.4points and totaled 60 assists (8.6 per game) while turning the ball over only 13 times. The team has averaged 103 points in those games, up from their season average of 99.1.

Sergio Rodriguez started in McConnell's place and totaled 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists. He was backed up by Chasson Randle, who scored a career-high 10 points in close to 16 minutes of play.

All-Star hopes

Monday ended the voting for this year's NBA All-Star team, which will be played Feb. 19 in New Orleans. Joel Embiid was fourth among frontcourt players in the Eastern Conference last week, while Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo was second behind LeBron James.

Each earned praise from the opposing coach on Monday.

On Antetokounmpo, Brett Brown said: "He is so unique. He really is unique. The versatility that he has is kind of breathtaking. Watching that game Sunday where he stalked one of the Atlanta players to make an incredible block from behind, it was very LeBron-like. There's a tenacity and a toughness in him that appeals to me, personally, as much as his skill package. He really has something from a human side that is very competitive, very elite competitive. I can see why he is the excitement of the city. He should be (an All-Star)."

Chasson a dream

Chasson Randle was pressed into backup duty as McConnell stayed in Philadelphia having his sprained right wrist treated. The rookie, playing under a 10-day contract, responded well, giving the team a huge lift in the first quarter with a pair of threes en route to 10 points.

"I've just been living one day at a time," said Randle. "I can't look far ahead. All I can do is look forward. Today was great, but we'll celebrate tonight and tomorrow is a new day. How can I approach it and get better and continue going great?"

cooneyb@phillynews.com

@BobCooney76

Blog: philly.com/Sixersblog