LeBron James' availability is the biggest question surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of their matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is listed as out, while several other players remain sidelined or uncertain to play. The 76ers' latest injury report lists James with low back and sciatica management.
The designation comes as Philadelphia begins its first back-to-back set of the season. That makes his status for further matches worth watching as the team balances its early-season ambitions with the need to manage its veteran star's workload. James has been productive in Philadelphia's opening games.
He posted 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in Thursday's 114-106 comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also played 33 minutes, making workload management a reasonable concern heading into the back-to-back. The report also lists Dean Wade as questionable with a left ankle sprain.
Dominick Barlow is out with a low back stress reaction, while Tacko Fall is sidelined with a left quadriceps strain. Ariel Hukporti is out for the season after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Philadelphia enters the matchup at 2-0.
Against Cleveland, Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, while Jaylen Brown added 21. If James is unavailable, both will likely carry an even greater offensive burden. On the other hand, Milwaukee is looking for its first win after opening the season with two losses.
The Bucks played Chicago on Friday, so fatigue could also be a factor. Their latest injury report had not yet been submitted when the initial details emerged. Currently, Philadelphia is prioritizing James' long-term availability over taking an unnecessary risk this early in the season.
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