76ers vs. Hawks: What’s Buddy Hield’s Playing Status?

Could Buddy Hield play against the Hawks on Friday?

*UPDATE: Buddy Hield has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for Friday's game. 

On Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers announced the addition of former Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

In a three-team trade with the Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs, the Sixers have boosted their three-point shooting department by snagging one of the league’s most consistent high-volume shooters from deep.

Following the trade deadline, the Sixers are set to pick up their 2023-2024 season with a matchup at home against the Atlanta Hawks. 

Heading into the game, the Sixers currently have Buddy Hield listed as out from the matchup. The reason behind his expected absence is that the trade is pending due to physicals.

While the door could be left open for Hield to potentially find himself upgraded if the NBA clears the trade before the matchup, it’s unclear if the Sixers would attempt to trot out the veteran right away. 

With Hield failing to see any practice time with his new teammates, the Sixers could wait until they are able to put him through a shootaround session or a practice before tossing him into the rotation.

After Friday’s game, the Sixers have a quick turnaround and will hit the road to pay a visit to the Washington Wizards on Saturday. After that, they’ll travel to Cleveland for a Monday night matchup against the Cavaliers.

The last time Hield took the court was on February 6 in the Pacers’ three-point win over the Houston Rockets. Hield checked in for 24 minutes off the bench. During that time, he knocked down five of his seven shots from the fired, with two successful attempts from beyond the arc. Hield wrapped up the game with 12 rebounds and six assists.