76ers' Nerlens Noel: Withdraws from Rising Stars Challenge

Noel will not participate in All-Star weekend's Rising Stars Challenge in order to rest his right knee, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "I would have loved to play in this great game, but my health comes first. I will just get ready for New Orleans," said Noel.

After missing Wednesday's game due to tendinitis in his right knee, Noel has opted to skip the All-Star weekend's festivities in order to give himself extra time to heal up for the second half of the season. The 76ers will return to action on Feb. 19 against the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Arena.