Thaddeus Young out three weeks

Young’s return could coincide with Andrew Bynum’s Sixers debut.

Thaddeus Young will miss at least three weeks after an MRI Tuesdsay revealed a grade one strain in his left hamstring.

The Sixers forward was injured while diving for a loose ball in Monday’s win. Young put on a good face for the media when asked about it.

“It felt like a rubber band kind of like snapping a little bit and going back in place,” Young told reporters. “Like the doctor said, three weeks hopefully I will be back.”

Young admitted that, after hearing it snap, he felt fortunate he wasn’t out longer. While doctors haven’t given an exact return date, they have estimated 3-4 weeks.

“I just thank God it wasn’t more serious, could have been out two months,” he said.

For now, Young said he’ll ice it and relax. The NBA All-Star break (Feb. 15-17) will give him a few extra days to recover.

“Take it day by day, not going to rush it,” Young said. “The good thing is we have the All-Star break coming up and that’s going to take a week of just relaxation and getting myself back into treatment.”

The loss is a huge one for the Sixers. Young was enjoying a breakout season averaging 14.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in 35 minutes per game. The Sixers host the Indiana Pacers Wednesday (7 p.m., CSN).