LeBron James is out for Thursday's game against the Raptors with a back issue, a step down from Day-To-Day. The 76ers, 9-3 and the second seed, play without him for the third time this season.
What happened
LeBron James was listed Out on the injury report at 1:21 p.m. ET Thursday for the game against the Raptors. The issue is a back problem, listed as Back · Torso. He was Day-To-Day with the same issue on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The report comment, credited to Ky Carlin of USA Today, says James remains questionable and took part in the morning shootaround. The report gives Nov. 15 as his expected return. The same back issue had him Out on Oct. 31 before he moved back to Day-To-Day on Nov. 1.
What it means for the 76ers
Philadelphia hosts Toronto at 7:00 p.m. ET, 9-3 and the second seed, having lost its last game. James, 41, has played 10 games this season, averaging 32.6 minutes, 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists. The 76ers are 7-3 with him and 2-0 without him. In the two games he missed, Tyrese Maxey played 36.3 minutes and scored 26.7 points, Jaylen Brown 34.9 and 21.5, and VJ Edgecombe 33.4 and 12.7. Joel Embiid played 31.8 minutes and Dean Wade 24.4. Adem Bona, who played 14.2 minutes in those games, is also out with a back issue. Embiid is Day-To-Day with a right foot issue.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether James moves from Out toward a return. The report lists Nov. 15 as his expected return, and no other timeline is announced. Toronto is the game on the table now. Also watch Embiid, who is Day-To-Day with a foot issue, and the status of Bona, Ariel Hukporti and Dominick Barlow, who are all listed Out.
Is LeBron James playing vs the Raptors?
No. The injury report lists James as Out for Thursday's game against the Raptors with a back issue. The report comment, credited to Ky Carlin of USA Today, describes him as questionable and says he took part in the morning shootaround.
When will LeBron James be back?
The injury report lists Nov. 15 as his expected return. No other timeline is announced, and his status will be updated on the next injury report.