James and Embiid Out as Sixers Face Hornets

The Philadelphia 76ers will be without LeBron James and Joel Embiid when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on October 31, the second game of a back-to-back. Both players took part in Friday’s 98-93 win over the New York Knicks before being listed as out for the Charlotte game. James is being held out for back management, while Embiid is out for right-foot injury management.

Jaylen Brown is questionable after missing the Knicks game with left patellar tendinopathy. Coach Nick Nurse said Brown’s return would depend on his treatment and pain tolerance, and did not indicate a long-term concern. Brown’s availability could affect the team’s plans to fill out its lineup without James and Embiid.

Forward Jabari Walker is also questionable after missing three games with a knee issue. Center Tacko Fall, who has not yet played for the Sixers, is questionable with a left quad injury. Dominick Barlow is listed as out with a back injury.

With both stars unavailable, Nurse could use a more traditional lineup that includes center Adem Bona, or choose a smaller group with Dean Wade at center. The Sixers may have additional frontcourt options if Walker or Fall is cleared to play, though neither is expected to necessarily enter the starting lineup.