76ers' Brand expected to be available

Philadelphia forward Elton Brand, who played a limited role Tuesday night in the 76ers' 100-99 loss to the Boston Celtics, had an MRI exam Wednesday morning, which showed his right shoulder injury is healing.

The 76ers expect Brand to be in uniform Thursday night against Indiana.

Brand played against the Celtics with a protective covering on the shoulder. He came off the bench for the sixth straight game, didn't play in the second half and was scoreless in only eight minutes of action.

Brand, who dislocated his right shoulder Dec. 17, said his shoulder felt stiff the past few days. He called the discomfort a "setback, absolutely," and didn't know if he would miss any more games.

"It's not just the pain, it's the restriction," Brand said. "It's like I can't make a little hook shot without it bothering me."

The 76ers gave Brand a five-year, $80 million contract in the offseason. He's averaging 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in 29 games.

Information from ESPN Insider Chris Sheridan and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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