76ers Defeat Knicks 120-97 in Preseason Opener Without James, Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the defending champion New York Knicks 120-97 in their preseason opener, with Jaylen Brown scoring 22 points in his debut and VJ Edgecombe contributing 12 points and seven assists. LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey sat out as healthy scratches as part of the team's workload management strategy ahead of the regular season.

Quick Facts

Preseason basketball game
76ers defeated Knicks 120-97
Jaylen Brown scored 22 points in 15 minutes on 8-of-13 shooting
VJ Edgecombe recorded 12 points and 7 assists
LeBron James ruled out as healthy scratch

The Philadelphia 76ers opened their 2026-27 preseason with a 120-97 victory over the defending NBA champion New York Knicks on Monday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Sixers fielded a roster missing several star players, including LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, who were held out as healthy scratches in a workload management strategy.

Jaylen Brown made an impressive debut for Philadelphia, scoring 22 points in 15 minutes on 8-of-13 shooting. VJ Edgecombe contributed 12 points and seven assists while showcasing improved strength and ball-handling. Jabari Walker added 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Dillon Jones scored 11 points with six rebounds and two assists. The depth displayed reflected Philadelphia's ability to compete effectively even without key rotation players.

LeBron James, who signed with the Sixers as a free agent over the summer, was among the notable absences. According to reporting, James is managing chronic arthritis in his left foot, with his lower back also being monitored after sciatica issues previously caused him to miss time. The 76ers indicated that workload management will be a key consideration throughout the season, with head coach Nick Nurse expressing hope to have the full roster available together in two of the team's remaining three preseason games.

The Knicks, seeking to defend their championship title, struggled offensively, shooting 8-of-41 from three-point range (19.5 percent). Guard Jalen Brunson appeared in his first live-game action following offseason wrist surgery. The Sixers went 45-37 last season and were swept by New York in the second round of the playoffs before making the offseason additions of James and Jaylen Brown.

The preseason contest also resulted in an injury concern for Philadelphia when Ariel Hukporti suffered a non-contact injury in the first quarter, with further evaluation scheduled via MRI on Tuesday.

Topics

Sports

#Jaylen Brown #LeBron James #preseason #Knicks #New York Knicks #NBA preseason #76ers #basketball #Philadelphia 76ers #workload management

Entities

Why This Matters

The 76ers' preseason performance demonstrates roster depth and player integration ahead of the 2026-27 regular season. Key findings: James (chronic left foot arthritis, monitored lower back) and Embiid's availability throughout the season will directly affect Philadelphia's rotation stability and championship viability. The Knicks' three-point shooting (19.5% in this game) and Brunson's first live action since wrist surgery signal early-season efficiency and recovery questions for the defending champions. Injury to Hukporti adds uncertainty to Philadelphia's bench production.

Timeline & Sources

Oct 5, 2026

Wire

76ers-Knicks preseason opener announced; Brown, Edgecombe, and other players confirmed available; James, Embiid, Maxey ruled out as healthy scratches

Oct 5, 2026

Wire

LeBron James ruled out of preseason opener due to workload management and chronic foot/back concerns

Oct 6, 2026

Wire

76ers defeat Knicks 120-97; Brown scores 22 points in 15 minutes; Hukporti suffers Achilles injury requiring MRI

Quick Facts

Topics

Entities

Why This Matters

Timeline & Sources

Related Signals

Sources