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Sixers Notes: Sixers center Andrew Bynum says his left knee hurts in workouts

Sixers Spencer Hawes grabs a rebound in front of Magic's Maurice Harkless. (Ron Cortes/Staff Photographer)

GALLERY: Sixers Spencer Hawes grabs a rebound in front of Magic's…

By John N. Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: February 06, 2013

The news is half good on 76ers center Andrew Bynum's sore knees, which have kept him from playing this season.

Recovering from bone bruises and weakened cartilage in his knees, Bynum reported Monday that his right knee "feels phenomenal." However, the left knee is still bothering him some, he said.

Bynum has not practiced against his teammates but has worked out with the Sixers trainer and coaches. He said that jumping and moving laterally still cause him pain.

"Lateral stuff, getting low, it's almost like a range of motion thing" that causes him pain, Bynum said.

Bynum said he still expects to be back sometime this month.

"There is not a specific date but in February," Bynum said. "That's the target, in February, I guess."

Bynum went to New York on Thursday to receive injections of Synvisc-One, a lubricant that is used to treat osteoarthritis. He receives the injections twice a year.

Richardson's knee

Sixers guard Jason Richardson missed his sixth game Monday with synovitis (inflammation) in his left knee.

"He's getting a third opinion on his knee so he's probably going to be out for a while," Sixers coach Doug Collins said.

Collins probably will continue to start Nick Young at shooting guard until Richardson, averaging 10.5 points per game, is ready to return.

Vucevic's growth

Collins said that extended playing time is helping Orlando center Nik Vucevic to develop.

Vucevic entered Monday's game against his former team, the Sixers, averaging 12.1 points and a team-high 11.3 rebounds through 47 games. "He's playing the same way," Collins said. "He's just getting 32 minutes a night."

Last season as a rookie, Vucevic averaged 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in just under 16 minutes per game. The Sixers traded Vucevic and last year's first-round pick, Maurice Harkless, in the Bynum deal. Harkless started against the Sixers on Monday.

Vucevic said he understood the trade."I didn't take it personally," he said. "I just used it as motivation to get better and prove myself. I wish I had played. But the plan is eventually get to the playoffs. I will get more chances."