By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia 76ers (14-13) returned to practice on Thursday in preparation for Friday's matchup at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-14). The Sixers were able to overcome a 20+ turnover night on Wednesday in Minnesota, beating the Timberwolves by six in overtime, snapping a four-game skid. The team was without the services of Robert Covington for the second straight game, but the 27-year-old will return to action on Friday against the Thunder.
Covington will play tomorrow against the Thunder. Today is his birthday, so being cleared is a good gift. 🎁
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) December 14, 2017
RoCo injured his back in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 9, landing on a sharp medal object just off the court that resulted in a lower back contusion. He did not play on Sunday against New Orleans or Wednesday in Minnesota after being labeled a game-time decision.
Covington's return should bring some stability back to a Sixers rotation that has been different over the last few games. The Timberwolves game featured Richaun Holmes in the starting five and newcomer Trevor Booker has also gotten a minutes increase from Covington's absence.
In 25 games this season, Covington is averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 44.9 percent from the floor and 42.7 percent from beyond the arc. In two game prior to getting hurt, RoCo combined to score 28 points to go along with 12 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and four steals. He shot 14-for-22 in that two-game span and hit nine of 13 from downtown. Covington ranks 7th in the NBA in Real Plus-Minus (5.04), which puts him above guys like Draymond Green, Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving.
