Philadelphia is 3-0 and the coverage is split between worry about LeBron James' back and praise for Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. Some of it holds up against the roster and the box score, and some of it does not.
Is LeBron's absence a one-night rest or something bigger?
ESPN reported that James would sit against Milwaukee, and The Sixer Sense argued the team could be preparing fans for more absences. Our facts back only the first part. He is listed with a back issue and an estimated return of today, and he has played two games at 15.5 points. Nobody has put a number on how many games he misses, so anything past tonight is a guess.
Did Embiid's triple-double prove the Sixers can win without LeBron?
ESPN and the Inquirer's Gina Mizell both led with Embiid's 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. The win was real, 127-116, with a lead of up to 16. But he went 0-for-3 from deep and had four turnovers. Mizell also counted 19 fast-break points allowed by halftime, after noting Nurse said they would miss that without James. Three wins is a sample, not a verdict.
Is VJ Edgecombe the balance the stars need?
The Sixer Sense's Jack Simone makes that case, and Liberty Ballers praised his extra effort. The line helps: 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5-of-10 from three in 30 minutes. But he was minus-11, second worst on the team, and Mizell reported him hobbling off after starting 3-of-4 from deep. He was cleared on October 24, then got a new groin entry the same day.
Is the depth thin enough to worry about against Detroit?
The Sixer Sense's Justin Grasso called Jabari Walker's setback a test of thin depth, and the numbers agree. The bench scored 22 of the 127 points against Milwaukee. Dominick Barlow is not due back until about November 2, Ariel Hukporti is out with an Achilles issue, and Walker is listed with a knee problem. Detroit is 2-0, on no rest, and without Jalen Duren.
Is LeBron James playing against the Pistons?
He is listed with a back issue and an estimated return of October 25, but his status is not settled. The 76ers have not ruled him in or out in anything we can point to.
How many points did Joel Embiid score in the triple-double against Milwaukee?
Embiid had 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the 127-116 win over the Bucks on October 24.
