Sixers lose Elton Brand to shoulder injury

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PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand will miss the next month with a dislocated right shoulder.

The 6-foot-9 inch, 254-pound, nine-year veteran was hurt in Wednesday's 93-88 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. After a collision with Milwaukee forward Luc Mbah a Moute, Brand landed hard on his right shoulder and left contest.

Team doctors were able to pop the shoulder back into place, but later, an MRI revealed a fractured humeral head (bone) and a tear of the labrum.

Dr. Jack McPhilemy, the 76ers' team physician, said he does not feel surgery is necessary, but Brand began an immediate rehabilitation period.

"When a guy goes out, other guys understand they have to step up to pick up the slack," teammate Andre Iguodala said after Wednesday's victory.

Brand, who signed a five-year, $79.8 million free agent contract last off-season, leads Philadelphia with 15.9 points and 9.8 rebounds in 23 games.