76ers newcomer Filip Petrusev suffers a minor injury in FIBA World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Petrusev sprained his wrist in the first half against China and did not continue. It is a minor injury, and there are no concerns about his availability further in the World Cup.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Serbia easily overcame China in their 2023 FIBA World Cup debut, but one of the players missed the entire second half - the Philadelphia 76ers newcomers Filip Petrusev.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Nikola Milutinov Points 11 Accuracy 3-4 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

Petrusev scored 8 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in just 5 minutes of action but did not continue playing due to injury.

The Serbian center sprained his ankle, head coach Svetislav Pesic confirmed after the game.

"He could have played, but there was no need, we didn't want to risk it," the veteran specialist said.

Even though Petrusev suffered a minor injury, there are no doubts about him continuing to play in the tournament.

"I don't see why he shouldn't play," Pesic said.

Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic told the media after the game that it might have been Petrusev's initiative to not play in the second half.

"I think he just didn't want to push," he said.

Serbia will have a rest day on Sunday and will continue the competition on Monday.

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