Nerlens Noel Injury: Updates on 76ers Star's Hip and Return

Philadelphia 76ers star Nerlens Noel is set to return from a hip flexor injury that kept him out of the team's last game against San Antonio. 

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Noel Back vs. Timberwolves

Dei Lynam of CSN Philadelphia has an update on Noel's status for Wednesday's game: 

Monday, Dec. 1

Noel Out With Hip Issue

Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel will miss tonight's game against the San Antonio Spurs with a hip flexor injury. 

The team confirmed the details of Noel's injury:

Brandon Davies will start in his place, according to Tom Moore of Calkins Media:

After missing what would have been his first year in the NBA while recovering from a torn ACL, Noel has been exciting amid his 2014-15 rookie campaign. He is currently averaging 7.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30.5 minutes of action per game. 

Noel's injury is concerning, though, considering he has already suffered a sprained ankle this year.

When he is on the court, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 draft is a force to be reckoned with on defense and has freakish athleticism, which gives him huge upside as a still-developing offensive player.

Being in Philadelphia is a tough ordeal at the moment, as the team continues a deliberate rebuilding process. Kevin Negandhi of ESPN commended Noel earlier in the season for sticking it out and displaying a desire to improve:

The Sixers are challenged in terms of depth as it is, so no one is going to hope to emulate what Noel can do on the hardwood.

Coach Brett Brown will have to pick from a litter of unheralded players to keep the squad competitive, something that's proved easier said than done amid Brown's second year at the helm.