Kofi Inkoom
The Sixers are hopeful that defensive standout De’Anthony Melton will make his return in Game 3 against the Knicks after being sidelined with a spinal injury.
Melton said he was ready for the game 3 after practice today, as reported by Keith Pompey of PhillyInquiry. “Today, I went through practice. So I’m feeling good. I’m ready for the game tomorrow and we’ll see how it goes.”
His presence could be a game-changer for the Sixers, who are trailing 0-2 in the playoff series and could use a boost. Despite only playing in seven games since December 30 due to his spine injury, Melton was among the league leaders in steals and deflections before getting sidelined again.
The sixth-year veteran is having a career-best season, averaging 11.1 points, 1.6 steals, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 38 games. Melton also emphasized the importance of returning, believing that the Sixers have the potential to be the best team in the NBA when they’re at full strength.
He said, “Understanding we have had a lot of trades, but honestly, we’ve gotten better at the trade deadline. So just for me to attach myself to that, I feel like we can be an elite team.”