Carter-Williams returns to practice

Michael Carter-Williams is back in the mix.

The rookie point guard practiced Wednesday with the 76ers for the first time since he was sidelined Dec. 5 with a skin infection and soreness in the front of his right knee. Coach Brett Brown said the 6-foot-6, 185-pounder could play Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center.

"But we really don't know until we see how we get through today and tomorrow, [then] make a decision on game day," Brown said.

Carter-Williams is likely to play, barring a setback.

"I hope so," Carter-Williams said when asked if he expected to play. "I hope I get to go out and play. I'm not 100 percent sure yet."

He should provide a boost for the Sixers (7-19). They have lost all seven games he has missed with the knee injury.

The 22-year-old was named the NBA Eastern Conference rookie of the month for November.

Carter-Williams was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He did not have any limitations and practiced with the first unit.

"I practiced pretty much through the whole thing," he said. "When I was out there, my wind wasn't too bad. My knee was feeling pretty good."

Carter-Williams may have suffered the injury against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 1 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He remained in that game.

Two nights later, he finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in his most recent game - a 126-125 double-overtime victory over Orlando on Dec. 3.

Carter-Williams spent Dec. 5-7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania because of the ailment.

"I got a scrape on the floor and I just tried to let it heal on its own," he said. "The infection began, and it started swelling up, different parts of my leg. That's pretty much [gone]."

Carter-Williams also missed four games earlier this season with a left arch bruise.

@PompeyOnSixers

www.inquirer.com/deepsixer