Noel to fight through pain vs. Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO – 76ers center Nerlens Noel will play against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night at Oracle Arena.

The rookie sprained his left ankle during the third quarter of Saturday's setback at Utah.  He returned at the start of the fourth. X-rays after the game were negative, and he did not have a lot of swelling.

However, the 6-foot-11, 217-pounder was unable to finish practice on Monday.

"It's feels good," Noel said after Tuesday's shootaround. "I'm making progress with treatment these past couple of days. And I think I'm in a position where I can play."

The Sixers (4-25) will still be minus two starters against the Warriors (24-5): shooting guard Hollis Thompson (upper respiratory infection) and power forward Luc Mbah a Moute (left calf strain).

Noel's defensive presence should provide a lift. But he did appear bothered by the ankle after making a basket during a drill after the shootaround.

"It's still sore, but it's a big game," said Noel, who averages 7.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks. "The team needs me being out there, and I'm going to fight through it."

Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers