76ers News: Injured guard could make much-awaited return vs Detroit

The Philadelphia 76ers have battled the injury bug all season long — a key and definitive factor as to why they slid down the standings after starting off the season strongly. Thankfully, some players on the injury report are now starting to tout a clean bill of health, most notably Joel Embiid, who just made his long-awaited return three games ago.

And with just three games remaining, it seems like the 76ers could welcome another key part of their rotation — a development that the team and fans would surely savor considering the tight race for the final guaranteed playoff spot in the East.

76ers News: De’Anthony Melton could make much-awaited return vs Detroit

De’Anthony Melton, who played just five games since the flip of the calendar due to a nagging back injury, is questionable to play against the Detroit Pistons tonight. He’s started 33 games out of 36 appearances so far, and his return would be a tremendous help to shore up the 76ers’ perimeter defense and bolster the team’s three-point shooting.

Philadelphia has been pumping in heavy servings of court time for Cameron Payne and Kyle Lowry, but both have produced mixed results so far. It remains to be seen whether the 76ers will impose a minutes restriction to ease him into the lineup should he get the green light to suit up, but he’s nonetheless a key part of the rotation.

Should Melton return, expect him to come off the bench for the meantime as a second-unit stabilizer, although that could change depending on the playing status of Lowry and Tyrese Maxey, who are also game-time decisions ahead of their matchup with Detroit.

Tonight’s contest will be another crucial win-now matchup for the 76ers as they battle with the Pacers and the Heat for the No. 6 seed. Currently in seventh place, Philadelphia is just a game away from Indiana and only two games back of fifth-ranked Cleveland.