Jaylen Brown did not participate in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 98-93 victory against the New York Knicks during the initial night of NBA Cup competition on Friday.
Initially marked as questionable on the team’s injury report, Brown was later noted as out due to a left patellar issue before being downgraded to doubtful on Friday afternoon. Notable NBA journalist Marc Stein provided further details, indicating that the experienced forward is contending with left patellar tendinopathy, an injury associated with repetitive strain.
Both LeBron James and Joel Embiid were present for the Sixers’ game, which marked the first of a back-to-back set. James recorded 20 points along with 8 rebounds and 7 assists, while Embiid contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. There’s no information available yet on whether either player will be available for Saturday’s away game against the Charlotte Hornets.
After experiencing discomfort in his left knee following Wednesday’s 114-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Brown was unable to join the shootaround on Friday, as relayed by Sixers head coach Nick Nurse.
In his initial five matchups with the Sixers, Brown has been averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while hitting 41% from the arc on 22 attempts at three points.
The 76ers commenced their season by winning against the Knicks, overcoming the defending NBA champions at Madison Square Garden. Brown contributed 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists during the 106-100 triumph. Tyrese Maxey topped all players with 28 points, whereas Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points, albeit shooting only 6 of 19 from the floor.
NBA Cup games scheduled from Oct. 30 through Dec. 11
Philadelphia is placed in the East Group B faction of the NBA Cup tournament alongside the Knicks, Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat. Each team is set to compete in four games during the group phase, facing off against all group rivals, with two matches taking place at home and two away.
The six group champions, in addition to two wild cards, will progress to the knockout phases within an eight-team, three-round bracket that aims to declare a champion on Dec. 11 in Indianapolis.
The Sixers will be taking on the Cavaliers on Nov. 6, the Heat on Nov. 25, and the Pacers on Nov. 27. Meanwhile, the Knicks are scheduled to compete against the Pacers on Nov. 13, the Cavaliers on Nov. 25, and the Heat on Nov. 27.
You can find the complete NBA Cup schedule for each team here.
