LeBron James is out for Saturday's game in Charlotte with a back injury, after being listed as day-to-day earlier in the day. The 76ers, already without Joel Embiid, will be thinner in the frontcourt at 6:00 PM ET.
What happened
The 76ers ruled LeBron James out on Saturday with a back injury. The injury report at 1:24 PM ET moved him to out from day-to-day. Earlier Saturday he had been listed as day-to-day for rest. The report's comment: "James (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's meeting in Charlotte." This is the second time this month his back has kept him out. He was day-to-day with his back on Oct. 23 and out on Oct. 24. On Oct. 25 he went back to day-to-day and was cleared the same day.
What it means for the 76ers
Philadelphia plays at Charlotte on Saturday at 6:00 PM ET on NBA TV. The 76ers are 5-1, the second seed, and have won two straight. James, 41, averages 16.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 33.5 minutes over five games. The 76ers are 4-1 with him and 1-0 without him. In games without him, Tyrese Maxey has played 37.5 minutes and scored 28.2 points. VJ Edgecombe has played 32.6 minutes, Dean Wade 27.1 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 25.3. The rest of the roster is banged up too. Joel Embiid is out with a right foot injury and Jaylen Brown is day-to-day with a left knee issue. That puts more weight on Anfernee Simons at 24.6 minutes and Adem Bona at 12.7.
What to watch
The injury report lists an expected return of Nov. 2. The team has not announced anything beyond that date. Watch the next injury report after the Charlotte game. Brown's status matters as well. Embiid, Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker, Ariel Hukporti and Tacko Fall are all out. James has been ruled out twice in October with his back, so check his status before each game.
Is LeBron James playing at Hornets on Saturday?
No. The injury report lists James as out with a back injury for Saturday's 6:00 PM ET game in Charlotte.
When will LeBron James be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Nov. 2. No other timeline has been announced.