Sixers’ P.J. Tucker and Tobias Harris will miss Pacers game, return Tuesday vs Timberwolves

INDIANAPOLIS — P.J. Tucker and Tobias Harris missed Monday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The 76ers forwards are expected to return for Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center.

This comes after both players left Saturday’s 133-130 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks with ailments.

Harris didn’t play after intermission because of the bruised left calf he suffered in the first half. Tucker walked off the court in the third quarter and headed straight to the locker room with back spasms. He also didn’t return.

Tucker said Monday morning that he was going to warm up and see how he felt before making a decision to play against the Pacers.

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With 18 games remaining in the regular season, the 37-year-old Tucker knows it’s important for him to be healthy for the playoffs. As a result, he and the Sixers are trying to make “smart” decisions about his availability to make sure he doesn’t return too soon.

Tucker received treatment on his back on Sunday and was stretched by a chiropractor. He returned to the trainer’s table Monday morning and after shootaround.

“That helped out a lot,” Tucker said.

Tucker was scheduled to miss a couple of upcoming games as part of the team’s load-management approach. The Sixers could have decided to utilize that plan and rest him against the Pacers.

The Sixers’ schedule could also provide a second brief respite for Tucker. After they play the Timberwolves on Tuesday, the Sixers have two days off before hosting the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at the Wells Fargo Center.

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“It’s just a feel,” Tucker said when asked what would determine his availability. “Obviously, it’s not like a rolled ankle or something like that where it’s a little more manageable. With back spasms, you can’t run, you can’t jump, essential stuff. You can’t do that, then it’s hard to play.”

Tucker is averaging 3.6 points and 4.0 rebounds, while Harris is averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.

Monday’s game will be the fourth contest of the Sixers’ five-game road trip. They take a 41-22 record into the matchup against the Pacers (29-36).