Noel’s knee needs surgery

PHILADELPHIA » What first was identified as a strained groin has turned complicated for the 76ers’ Nerlens Noel.

According to the Sixers Friday, Noel has reported “localized soreness in his left knee.” Noel has elected to undergo a “minor surgical procedure in the coming days,” to correct what specialists identified as an inflamed plica. A plica is a fold in the knee lining.

Noel has not played since the first game of the preseason when he played 17 minutes and scored six points in a 92-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in Amherst, Mass.

The Sixers did not specify a recovery time for the fourth-year center.

Also Friday, the Sixers said that guard Jerryd Bayless has chosen to pursue a “non-surgical option” to address the nagging left wrist injury that prevented him from participating in any preseason games. The Sixers said he has a ligament injury.

In a press release, the Sixers said Bayless will continue rehabilitating and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

In additional injury news, Ben Simmons had sutures removed from his right foot two weeks after successful surgery to correct a “Jones fracture” of the fifth metatarsal. The Sixers said the rookie is “continuing to progress” with day-to-day rehab.

The Sixers open the regular season Wednesday against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder.