Sixers preseason brings injuries, lineup clues, and a big TV cameo
Philadelphia’s preseason has already given fans two things to watch: who can actually stay on the floor, and how the new core fits when it does. NBC Sports Philadelphia reported another center injury hit, while PhillyVoice is tracking the full projected lineup and who’s still out for the next games. There is also a lighter note, with Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe turning up in the Abbott Elementary premiere, which is a nice Philly touch but not the part that changes the roster picture.
Health is already the headline
The biggest concern today is the center depth. NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that Hukporti underwent surgery after tearing his Achilles in the preseason opener, which is the kind of setback that forces the team to adjust immediately rather than later.
PhillyVoice also said Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona will miss the next two preseason games, so the rotation is already being thinned out before the real games even arrive. For a team trying to sort out roles, that matters as much as any box score.
Sources: NBC Sports Philadelphia, PhillyVoice
The new group is still getting sorted
On the basketball side, the early takeaway is that the Sixers have talent, but they are still learning how it all works together. NBC Sports Philadelphia said Jaylen Brown scored 22 in the first half in the preseason opener, and PhillyVoice noted the full projected starting lineup was finally set to get a look with LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Brown all available in one game.
PhillyVoice’s reporting after the second preseason game pointed to playmaking from LeBron James, turnovers from Embiid, and a lot of upside with work still to do. That is the real short-term story: the team is flashing pieces, but the fit still needs reps.
Sources: NBC Sports Philadelphia, PhillyVoice
A little Philly flavor off the court
NBC Sports Philadelphia also noted that Maxey, Brown and Edgecombe appeared in the Season 6 premiere of Abbott Elementary. It is a fun local crossover and the kind of thing Philly fans will notice right away.
It does not change the standings, but it does underline how visible this roster has become around the city. For a team trying to build attention and an identity at the same time, that matters in its own way.
Sources: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Further reading
- Hukporti undergoes surgery after tearing Achilles in Sixers' preseason opener (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Did Sixers head coach Nick Nurse hint toward LeBron James' debut? (PhillyVoice)
- Observations after Sixers win preseason opener, Brown scores 22 in 1st half (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- LeBron James' playmaking, Joel Embiid's turnovers and more from Sixers' second preseason game (PhillyVoice)
- LeBron James cements himself as the Sixers' quarterback in preseason debut (PhillyVoice)
- LeBron James, Sixers' starters show massive upside, with a lot of work still to do (PhillyVoice)
- LeBron James will make Sixers preseason debut vs. Nets (PhillyVoice)
- Three Sixers try to save the day in Abbott Elementary's Season 6 premiere (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
Philly Sport Daily writes this brief each morning with the help of AI, working only from the reporting linked above. Spot an error? Let us know @sport_philly.