Andrew Bynum injury update: 76ers center not cleared for practice

Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum experienced discomfort in his knee on Wednesday and the club announced shortly thereafter that he has not been cleared to practice. General manager Tony DiLeo stated that he will be out until he is pain free, according to Dei Lynam of CSN Philadelphia.

Bynum, who's dealing with a knee injury, has not practiced or appeared in a Sixers preseason game in 2012, but reports surfaced that he would likely join the team on the practice floor this week. He was with the Sixers at practice on Wednesday, but according to Tom Moore, he abruptly stopped during a drill after experiencing discomfort in the knee. DiLeo added that the center is not running yet, and the club is setting no timetable for his return.

The Sixers have looked impressive in the preseason so far, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. The addition of Bynum in the middle would provide the huge boost they were expecting when they joined the blockbuster trade with theLakers this summer. He was expected back for the opener, but DiLeo stated with every day that he misses, it's less likely he'll be available. Bynum said he would join the team as soon as he possibly can, and left the door open that he could be ready for the opener.

The Sixers open the regular season in one week at home against former star Andre Iguodala and the Denver Nuggets.

This story originally appeared at SB Nation.