Covington still out for 76ers, Richardson returns

It's okay, Philadelphia 76ers fans: Robert Covington may still be hurt, but Jason Richardson is back. That's good for continued entertainment value, at the very least.

The 34-year-old veteran will continue his somewhat unlikely comeback on Wednesday with the 76ers taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off the bench for the first time this season. He sat for rest on Monday.

After more than two calendar years off, Richardson returned on Feb. 20 and has played in five games, averaging 10.4 points and hitting 11-of-27 from outside.

His return is a fun story, but Covington's absence actually moves the needle for Philly. In another lost rebuilding season, Covington has been one of the team's bright spots; an unearthed rotation player from the fringes of the NBA. He's averaged 13.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 49 games, hitting 38.3 percent of his threes and emerging as one of this roster's handful of potential keepers.

Covington landed hard on his right elbow in a game on March 1, never returning to that game and sitting out Monday. Jakarr Sampson will start in his place Wednesday.