NBA3 hours ago2 minute read

LeBron James Starts at Center as Injuries Hit 76ers Frontcourt

LeBron James started at center for the 76ers against Detroit, but he expects Joel Embiid back in the middle soon.

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Injury Troubles Force Lineup Changes

The Philadelphia 76ers dropped their first game of the season on Sunday, falling 106-93 to the Detroit Pistons. With Joel Embiid out for right foot plantar fasciitis management, LeBron James moved into the starting center spot.

James, who is 6 foot 9 and turns 42 in December, matched up mostly against Pistons big man Paul Reed. He finished with 18 points, five assists, and two rebounds in his 24 year career. It was just the 15th time he has started at center. His previous 14 starts at the position came during the 2021-22 season with the Lakers.

Frontcourt Depth Tested Early

Head coach Nick Nurse has used James at center in short stretches during small ball lineups this year. James previously sat out a win over the Cavaliers to manage sciatica. After Sunday's loss, James made it clear he does not expect a lasting role at center, pointing out that the team has Joel Embiid.

The Sixers faced severe depth issues up front against Detroit. Along with Embiid, Jabari Walker was out with a knee injury, Dominick Barlow missed out with a back issue, and Tacko Fall was sidelined by a quad injury. Guard VJ Edgecombe was also out due to an abdominal contusion. Nurse stated pregame that the team only had about three players left who could play center.

Adem Bona was the only available true center. He played a season high 25 minutes, scoring six points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Opponents have outrebounded Philadelphia in every game this season, including a 22 rebound margin against Milwaukee on Saturday and a 17 rebound margin against Detroit. Tyrese Maxey noted that getting tall players back on the floor would help.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers (NBA, Wed, 28 Oct): Indiana Pacers win 38%, Philadelphia 76ers win 62%; projected score Indiana Pacers 114, Philadelphia 76ers 118. Our safest pick: 76ers +4.5.

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (NBA, Fri, 30 Oct): Philadelphia 76ers win 50%, New York Knicks win 50%; projected score Philadelphia 76ers 116, New York Knicks 114. Our safest pick: Knicks +10.5.