Sixers Injury Update: At least 3 more weeks before Markelle Fultz is cleared

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Updated at 7 p.m. 

CLEVELAND — It will be at least three more weeks until Markelle Fultz is cleared to play.

Fultz has been sidelined since late October because of right shoulder soreness and scapular muscle imbalance. The Sixers announced Saturday both issues are resolved.

So what are the next steps? The 2017 No. 1 pick will continue physical therapy on his right shoulder. He also will increase his strength and conditioning training as well as on-court basketball activities.

Then in approximately three weeks, the Sixers medical team and Dr. Ben Kibler will examine Fultz and “gauge his readiness.” Fultz has been rehabbing with Kibler, the Medical Director of the Shoulder Center of Kentucky at the Lexington Clinic, including a recent trip to Kentucky.

There are various stages of criteria players have to go through before they are given the green light for NBA action. This could include, as examples, 5-on-0, 3-on-3, and finally 5-on-5 full-contact practice.

The Sixers also announced Justin Anderson, who has missed the last eight games because of shin splints in his left leg, will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks. Anderson will increase basketball training and conditioning. He has been limited in what he has been able to do on the court, following a program with physical therapy and rest.

The team is eyeing the returns of these two players as the roster has been hit with injuries. T.J. McConnell will be back on the sidelines Saturday against the Cavaliers because the sprained AC joint in his left shoulder still is an issue. McConnell suffered the injury last week, missed three games, played 18 minutes against the Lakers Thursday, but will not be able to go in Cleveland.

Dario Saric is available to play. Saric was listed as questionable, but the Sixers decided he would be able to play shortly before 7 p.m. The forward is dealing with a left eye laceration and right eye corneal abrasion he suffered in practice this week.

With Joel Embiid out because of his back-to-back restriction, Brown could turn to Richaun Holmes and Amir Johnson in the starting lineup if Saric cannot play.

The Sixers do have their newest member, Trevor Booker, available. The forward joined the team in Philadelphia Friday and traveled to Cleveland for his first game with the Sixers. 

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