Tobias Harris could return from COVID-19 for the Sixers’ game Thursday against the Raptors
The power forward, who is vaccinated, has been in the league’s health and safety protocols after originally testing positive 40 minutes before a game against the Trail Blazers on Nov. 1.
Sixers forward Tobias Harris is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer
The 76ers could get their second-best player back Thursday night.
Tobias Harris is listed as questionable for the Sixers’ matchup against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center. The power forward, who is vaccinated, has been in the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols after originally testing positive 40 minutes before the Nov. 1 game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
A vaccinated player can typically return after a 10-day quarantine or following two negative tests 24 hours apart. Thursday will mark the 10th day after Harris received his initial positive rapid test. There was a thought he could remain out longer because he experienced fatigue and congestion during the first four days of his infection.
Harris has been sidelined for the last six games. The Sixers (8-4) won the first four before Joel Embiid also entered the health and safety protocols. They lost to the New York Knicks on Monday and the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
The Raptors (6-6) are riding a four-game losing streak after Wednesday’s loss to the Boston Celtics.
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo goes up for a basket against the Sixers during the 1st quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers Paul Reed looks to shot over Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 3rd quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Bucks beat the Sixers 118-109Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers Shake Milton tries to block the pass of Bucks Jrue Holiday during the 4th quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Buck beat the Sixers 118-109Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers' Tyrese Maxey drives on Bucks' George Hill during the 3rd quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Bucks beat the Sixers, 118-109.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers Andre Drummond drives on Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2nd quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers' Andre Drummond drives on Bucks' Bobby Portis during the 3rd quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers totally upset with a referee's call and appeals to referee Eric Lewis while playing the Bucks during the 3rd quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers Paul Reed,left and Andre Drummond tangles with Bucks Semi Ojeleye under the basket during the 2nd quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers Tyrese Maxey is all smiles after hitting a three-pointer against the Bucks during the 1st quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers' Paul Reed looks for the rebound against the Bucks during the 1st quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers Andre Drummond shoots against the Bucks during the 1st quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Sixers' Andre Drummond grabs a rebound against the Bucks during the 1st quarter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Harris is averaging 19.8 points and a team-leading 4.2 assists. The Sixers ran a lot of their halfcourt sets through him as a point forward.
Embiid, Isaiah Joe, and Matisse Thybulle remain in the health and safety protocols. Ben Simmons is still not mentally ready to play and two-way player Grant Riller remains out as he recovers from an injured left knee. Seth Curry is questionable with a bruised foot. The injury sidelined him in Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks.
As the Sixers beat reporter, I provide daily coverage, perspective, a social media presence and long-form takeout pieces about one of the NBA's young emerging teams.