76ers rule out LeBron James, Joel Embiid for road matchup vs. Hornets
Philadelphia will be without its two biggest stars as injury concerns mount ahead of the Hornets matchup
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without two of their biggest stars when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, with LeBron James and Joel Embiid both ruled out as the organization manages their respective injuries.
James is listed out for lower-back and sciatica management, while Embiid will miss the contest because of right-foot plantar fascia management.
The decisions come on the second night of a back-to-back, following Philadelphia's 98-93 victory over the New York Knicks in Friday night's NBA Cup opener.
The win improved the 76ers' record to 5-1, extending their impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign. James played a significant role in the result, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 34 minutes.
The veteran also delivered a crucial fadeaway before securing a putback with 11.9 seconds remaining to help Philadelphia protect its advantage.
Embiid contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists across 33 minutes. However, the center struggled to find his shooting rhythm, converting just three of 12 attempts from the field while missing all four of his three-point attempts.
Philadelphia faces a significant test of its depth
With James and Embiid unavailable, head coach Nick Nurse will need contributions from several other players to keep Philadelphia's momentum going.
Tyrese Maxey could carry a greater offensive burden after scoring 27 points against New York, while Anfernee Simons may also receive additional opportunities following his 21-point contribution off the bench.
The 76ers' injury concerns extend beyond their two headline players. Dominick Barlow remains unavailable because of a lower-back stress reaction, while Ariel Hukporti is sidelined with a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable after missing Friday's contest with left patellar tendinopathy. Jabari Walker and Tacko Fall are also questionable because of left knee and quadriceps injuries, respectively. Their availability could become particularly important given Philadelphia's limited options.
James ' absence comes shortly after arguably his most encouraging performance since arriving in Philadelphia. Following the Knicks victory, the 41-year-old expressed his satisfaction with the decision to join the franchise, making it clear that he's enjoying his new surroundings.
"So far, so great,” said James . “I think every day, every week, every month I'll continue to get better and better.”
Nurse praised James ' contribution, describing it as his best performance since joining the 76ers. Maxey also highlighted the veteran's influence, pointing to the calming presence he brings during difficult moments.
The veteran expects his comfort and performances to improve as the season progresses, suggesting that his transition remains a work in progress.
Philadelphia will now look to its supporting cast to deliver another positive result against Charlotte. The Hornets enter Saturday's meeting following a 95-79 defeat to Washington.
