Sixers Get Big Player Back for Huge Showdown with Cavs

The 76ers announced shortly before the game tonight that guard De'Anthony Melton would be returning to the lineup for the first time since hurting his back on January 12th. He missed 18 straight games for the Sixers. The 25-year-old guard was every game starter, but being on a minute's restriction he came off the bench tonight. Melton is one of the team's best defenders and picked an excellent night to come back against one of the best teams in the league over the past month in the Cavs. Melton has averaged 11.8 PPG and 4 rebounds and 3.8 assists to go with 1.6 steals per game.

The Sixers also got veteran Nicolas Batum back for Thursday's loss to the Knicks after missing 9 games. He played 18 minutes and was technically available for tonight's game but has not seen action in three quarters, mostly likely due to load management coming off an injury.

The Sixers currently lead the Cavs 90-82 with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter which would be a huge upset at this point in the season if the Sixers can hold on.


Source:HoopsRumors