Robert Covington Remains Out of Sixers’ Lineup vs. Magic

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Robert Covington will miss another matchup.

Nov 29, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) steals / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Covington is cutting it close.

While the Philadelphia 76ers hoped for the veteran’s return before the 2023-2024 regular season concluded, there are just two games left before the Sixers are moving on to the next phase of the postseason.

When the Sixers fired up their Tuesday night matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the team got its second reinforcement in a one-week span. After allowing Joel Embiid to return to the lineup, the Sixers welcomed back De’Anthony Melton.

Unfortunately, Covington remains the final Sixer to continue dealing with an injury that will extend his absence after already missing several months.

According to the Sixers’ Friday night injury report, Covington is once again out with a knee bone bruise.

Covington’s injury concerns date back to December 30. In his latest showing for the Sixers, Covington appeared on the court for fewer than five minutes. Ahead of the following game, Covington was ruled out.

When Covington missed Tuesday’s game against the Pistons, it was his 48th consecutive absence. He has yet to appear on the court since the start of 2024.

Following Thursday’s practice session, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse noted that Covington did not participate. Considering the veteran reserve has missed a ton of time and would need a significant ramp-up period before returning to action, an absence on Thursday might’ve been a clear indicator that Covington’s regular season could end with just 26 games played for the Sixers this year.

In his 26 matchups with the Sixers, Covington averaged five points and three rebounds while shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, the veteran wing stood out as he averaged 1.3 steals per game, while leading the NBA in deflections.

Covington was poised to have a notable role for the Sixers in his reunion with the team, but he didn’t get the opportunity to really hit his stride. Covington hasn’t been ruled out for the year just yet, but time is certainly running short.