Sixers, Nets Meet in Preseason With New-Look Lineups
Philadelphia and Brooklyn played an NBA preseason game at Barclays Center. The matchup gave an early look at the 76ers' starting group of LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid. Both teams also faced questions about their center rotations because of injuries.
Philadelphia and Brooklyn each entered their second preseason contest, with the 76ers unveiling a starting lineup featuring James, Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid. James is managing left-foot arthritis and sciatica, and Embiid’s status could lead coach Nick Nurse to limit starter minutes.
Philly’s frontcourt is especially thin: Hukporti tore his right Achilles in the opener, and Bona, Barlow and Fall are also unavailable. That may force Walker, Wade or even James to play center. Brooklyn lacks Sharpe because of a sore left shoulder, leaving Wagner as its main true center, with Randle and Wolf possible interior options.
The game may draw extra attention from NBA fans, media and Brooklyn/Philadelphia supporters because it offers an early glimpse of a star-heavy lineup. If the grouping works, it could shape expectations for the season and boost interest in broadcasts, merchandise and ticket demand. Conversely, injury-related center shortages may remind audiences how fragile player availability can be, affecting how fans and analysts judge team depth.