Markelle Fultz injury update: 76ers guard reportedly expects to play again this season

The 20-year-old guard has been out since Nov. 19 and was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome earlier this month. General manager Elton Brand told reporters last weekend that there’s no timetable for Fultz’s return and the team is not sure if he will play again in 2018-19.

But, Fultz’s range of motion has improved since he began rehabbing the injury and he’s expecting to return at some point, according to a report from ESPN.

Good news for Sixers fans: @wojespn says Markelle Fultz expects to play this season. pic.twitter.com/Tuf1EG8CPf

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 25, 2018

Fultz is averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 assists in 19 appearances in 2018-19.

Fultz was the top pick in the 2017 draft and began his career with high expectations. But he also dealt with injuries as well as a hitch in his jump shot during his rookie season, which limited him to 14 games.

The second-year guard has shot just 41.4 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from 3-point range in 33 career games.