The Sixers are 2-0 and top of the conference going into a five-game week that opens Saturday against Milwaukee on NBA TV and Detroit on Sunday. Embiid has a rest tag, Barlow's back keeps him out until at least November 2, and October 30 against the Knicks is the date with history attached.
What does the week look like, night by night?
Saturday, October 24, Milwaukee at home on NBA TV. Sunday, Detroit at home, with no national broadcast listed. Then two days off before Wednesday at Indiana on ESPN. Friday, October 30, the Knicks come to South Philly on Prime Video for an Emirates NBA Cup game, and Saturday it is Charlotte on the road on NBA TV. That is three home games, two road games and two pairs of consecutive nights.
Does Embiid play both weekend games?
He is listed for rest with an estimated return of October 24, so Saturday looks like the plan. Sunday is the real question, and no answer has been posted. He gave Cleveland 24 points on 8-of-16 in 34 minutes, but he played 38 games last season. If Nurse has to pick one of the two nights, Detroit is the one you sit him for, not Milwaukee.
Should Milwaukee worry anyone?
Not on paper. Taylor Jenkins' Bucks are 0-1 and went 32-50 last season with a 118.3 defensive rating and a -6.1 net. Ryan Rollins averaged 17.3 points and 5.6 assists, Tyler Herro 20.5 points in 33 games, and Myles Turner 11.9 points and 5.3 boards. Milwaukee comes in on its second straight road game. The warning is the Sixers' own 18-point first quarter against Cleveland, not anything the Bucks did.
Why is the Knicks game the one that matters?
Because New York swept this franchise out of the second round in May, and that series cost Daryl Morey his job. Philadelphia already won at the Garden 106-100 on October 20, but that was one night. The rematch is a Cup game, at home, and it lands one day after the trip to Indiana and the night before Charlotte, a team that is 1-0.
Who is out, and does the bench get help?
Barlow is out with a back injury until at least November 2, so he misses all five games. Hukporti's right Achilles has him out until October 2027. Wade's left ankle and Fall's left quadriceps both moved up from out, with an estimated return Saturday. The second unit needs them: it produced 7 points against Cleveland, Simons went 0-for-4 from three at -24 in 17 minutes, and Bona was -10 in 14.
When do the Sixers play the Knicks again?
Friday, October 30, at home on Prime Video, in an Emirates NBA Cup game. Philadelphia won the first meeting 106-100 in New York on October 20.
Is Joel Embiid playing against the Bucks?
He is listed for rest with an estimated return of October 24, the day of the Milwaukee game. Nothing has been posted yet on Sunday against Detroit.
