Star Preseason Absences
LeBron James and Joel Embiid will miss the 76ers preseason opener against Knicks
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Key Points
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The 76ers finished 45-37 last season and were swept by the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.
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James, Embiid and the full healthy roster had played in a public scrimmage on the Sixers’ home court on Saturday, shortly before the preseason opener.
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Coach Nick Nurse said the team would consult its key players about preseason use, with available players likely to get some first-half minutes and other players seeing time in the second half; he also said the team wanted to get players on court together as the preseason progressed.
The Philadelphia 76ers will play their preseason opener against the New York Knicks without three key players. LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey are all listed as unavailable CBS News, despite being healthy enough to play in a scrimmage just days before. The trio sat out by choice as the team manages their workload before the regular season begins.
Only two projected starters—Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe—are expected to suit up The Score. James previously said he wants preseason minutes to build chemistry with teammates while avoiding overexertion. One report cited chronic arthritis in his left foot and lower-back sciatica as possible factors in his decision to rest.
Three Stars Sit After Saturday Scrimmage
The 76ers held a public scrimmage on their home court Saturday. LeBron, Embiid, and Maxey all participated in that game Winnipeg Free Press. Just two days later, they're unavailable for the preseason opener. Coach Nick Nurse consulted with his key players about their preseason usage before making the decision.
Coach Nurse's Flexible Minutes Plan
Nurse said the team will rotate its available players strategically Leader-Telegram. Players who show up will likely get first-half minutes. Others will see time in the second half. Nurse wants to get the full roster on the court together as the preseason continues and their season approaches.
76ers Rebuild After Playoff Collapse
The Sixers finished last season 45-37 and were swept by the Knicks in the second round News-Gazette. The team added LeBron and other star talent to avoid that outcome again. With multiple preseason games remaining, Philadelphia has time to build chemistry before playoff stakes kick in.
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