The Philadelphia 76ers head into Friday night’s matchup with the New York Knicks carrying a fresh concern: Jaylen Brown has been downgraded to “questionable” because of left knee soreness.
That comes as the Sixers and Knicks prepare to meet for the second time this season, with Friday’s game also serving as the opener for the NBA Cup. Their first meeting came on Opening Night, when New York celebrated ring night and raised its championship banner at Madison Square Garden. For Philadelphia, it marked the beginning of a new era - one that has started with a 4-1 record.
A big part of that start has been the play of Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 28.4 points per game, and Joel Embiid, who has so far been a constant presence for the team, always a notable development given his injury history. Brown has also been a major factor for Philadelphia, giving the fan base plenty to cheer about with 20.6 points per game on 44.2 percent shooting from the field. The former Boston Celtics star has looked like a clean fit next to Maxey’s game.
Brown did have a strong showing against New York on Opening Night, but his status for the rematch is now in question. If he can’t go, it would be his first missed game of the season and would leave Philadelphia with a significant gap to cover.
Even so, Nick Nurse has options if Brown sits. VJ Edgecombe, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anfernee Simons, and rookie Labaron Philon Jr. are all candidates to help fill the minutes in the backcourt alongside Maxey.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST on Friday.
In Other News...
Knicks Sent A Clear Rotation Message In Stunning Comeback Win
The comeback in Chicago did more than improve the Knicks record, it offered a quick look at how Mike Brown is willing to manage his new rotation. New York erased a 19-point hole and beat the Bulls 133-127, but the most eye-catching part of the win was Brown cutting into Mikal Bridges minutes while leaning on a bench group that brought energy, playmaking and shot-making when the game was slipping away.
Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet combined for 41 points and 15 assists, a reminder that Brown is not afraid to search deeper into the roster when the situation calls for it. Jalen Brunson carried the offense with 38 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 13 rebounds despite a brief injury scare, but the bigger question now is whether this kind of rotation flexibility is a one-night answer or a sign of how Brown sees the Knicks moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Young Core Showed Real Progress In A Brutal Finish
The Bulls gave the Knicks a real test at the United Center, hanging around for much of a game that had the feel of an early-season measuring stick between two teams trying to sort out who they are. Chicagos young core brought energy and urgency, but the difference in the end came down to the Knicks looking steadier when the pressure rose, especially after a contest that stayed competitive deep into the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson did much of the finishing for New York, scoring 14 points in the final quarter and drilling three 3-pointers to help close the door on a 133-127 win. The Bulls had chances, but turnovers and inconsistent shooting kept them from fully cashing in on their effort, while the Knicks leaned on experience and timely shot-making to leave with a hard-earned victory. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Fans Can Read One Worrying Sign In Mohamed Diawaras Role
Mohamed Diawaras role has been easy to overlook so far, and that in itself says plenty about where the Knicks are right now. The young forward has logged very little time on the floor, sitting tied for the fewest minutes on the roster, while Mike Brown has made it clear that the teams younger players are not going to be worked into the rotation until the group starts playing better.
For Diawara, the limited opportunity also fits with how the summer has gone, as he never really forced the issue in summer league or preseason. For now, the Knicks are leaning heavily on veterans, and that leaves little room for a young player trying to carve out a regular role, even if the long-term upside is still there. [Read more 🡒]