Sources: Noel would like to play at Boston on April 4

Nerlens Noel would like to make his 76ers debut in his hometown of Boston on April 4, according to sources.  They confirmed that's why the rookie center tweeted "4-4-14"  in reference to April 4, 2014 on Sunday afternoon.

The Sixers (15-47) play at TD Bank that evening against the Boston Celtics.

The sources said this is just a wish that he had not disclosed to the Sixers as of Sunday afternoon.

Noel has been sidelined this season due to the anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered in his left knee in February, 2013 during his lone season at Kentucky.

The 6-foot-11, 228-pounder is slowly increasing his activity on the court and has yet to participate in five-on-five scrimmages. Minor back spasms held him out of Sunday's open practice for Sixers Camps participants and their families at Haverford College.

There's a thought that the franchise doesn't want him on the court and would be content if he missed the entire season. In October, Sixers coach Brett Brown said Noel was not likely to play this season, something the team has stood by ever since.

Contact and follow Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers