76ers’ Noel to have operation on left knee; return uncertain

Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel needs surgery on his left knee to address an inflamed plica.

Noel, 22, has been sidelined since Oct. 6 with a groin injury. A timetable for his return has not been determined.

Also, No. 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons had sutures removed from his surgically repaired right foot, and coach Brett Brown backtracked on his estimated January return for Simmons. From staff and wire reports