By Spike Eskin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Though the Sixers have won three straight games, the question on everyone’s mind is still “when will Andrew Bynum be back?” Today, the answer is a little bit more clear.

The Sixers released an update on Bynum’s situation today, saying they remain “cautious” in projecting a return-date for the big man, and are “carefully listening to the team of medical professionals who are closely monitoring the healing of Bynum’s knee.”

Bynum was sidelined due to a bone bruise he sustained in September, and was told to refrain from all basketball-related activity. After a visit with Dr. David W. Altchek of New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery and a new MRI, Bynum was permitted to resume low-impact exercise for two weeks, followed by three weeks of conditioning on an anti-gravity treadmill. If these steps are completed without any setbacks, Bynum will be able to return to basketball-related activity, which would be December 10th.

Assuming Bynum returns to practice on December 10th, the Sixers speculate Bynum would need one to four weeks of conditioning, training and practice before returning to game action for significant minutes.

“We know that Sixers fans are eager to see Andrew Bynum play and shine in a 76ers uniform,” Sixers general manager Tony DiLeo said in a statement. “We also know that no one is more eager to see Andrew play for the Sixers than Andrew himself. He fully realizes the key contribution he can make to the team. Hopefully, that day is coming soon.”