LeBron James is day-to-day with a back issue on Friday's injury report, one day after he played 33 minutes in a win over the Cavaliers. His status for Saturday's home game against the Bucks is now in question, and the report lists an expected return of Oct 24.
What happened
LeBron James is listed as day-to-day with a back injury, torso, on the official injury report filed Friday, Oct 23 at 5:06 PM ET. According to the report, James played Thursday's 114-106 win over the Cavaliers and had 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting, 1-of-4 from three and 6-of-7 at the line. He added 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block in 33 minutes. He had been cleared on Oct 16. Before that he was listed day-to-day for rest on Oct 5 and again on Oct 10.
What it means for the 76ers
The 76ers host the Bucks on Saturday, Oct 24 at 7:30 PM ET on NBA TV. Philadelphia is 2-0 with two straight wins and holds the top seed. James has played both games and is averaging 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 33.6 minutes. Last season he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games. The 76ers have not played a game without him this season. Tyrese Maxey leads the rotation at 40.6 minutes and 30.0 points. Jaylen Brown plays 36.3 minutes and VJ Edgecombe 34.0. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (25.5 minutes) and Anfernee Simons (21.0) are the next options. Joel Embiid is also day-to-day, listed for rest.
What to watch
The next injury report before Saturday's tip will show whether James is cleared. The report lists an expected return of Oct 24, the date of the Bucks game. Embiid's rest listing is the other one to watch for Saturday. Dominick Barlow (back) and Ariel Hukporti (right Achilles) are out. Dean Wade (left ankle) and Tacko Fall (left quadriceps) are day-to-day. No other games beyond the Bucks matchup have been set out here.
Is LeBron James playing vs the Bucks on Saturday, Oct 24?
He is day-to-day with a back issue. A final decision has not been announced. The injury report lists an expected return of Oct 24, which is the day of the Bucks game.
When will LeBron James be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct 24. He is day-to-day, and the next report will show whether he is cleared to play.