Philadelphia took the top seed at 6-1 by beating Charlotte 109-104 without Joel Embiid or LeBron James. Both are now listed Day-To-Day with an estimated return of Monday against Chicago.
Will Embiid and James play against the Bulls on Monday?
Both moved from Out to Day-To-Day Sunday, and both carry an estimated return of November 2. Don't book it. By our count, 8 of 10 Sixers listed day-to-day since October 20 missed the next game, against 58 percent across the league. Day-To-Day here has mostly meant sitting.
How did Philly win in Charlotte without them?
Down 13 early, they got 38 points from Tyrese Maxey on 13-of-23 shooting and 19 from Anfernee Simons, who hit five threes. Dean Wade added 10 assists. The game turned on a 13-0 run over the last 3:11, from 94-101 down to 107-101. Brown's two free throws sealed it.
Is 6-1 and the top seed real?
Partly. The net rating is plus 3.7 over seven games, with offense at 108.6 and defense at 104.9. Philly is 3.5 games ahead of the 11th seed, so the cushion is thin. A 70-12 pace is arithmetic, not a forecast. Embiid and James have each played only five of seven games.
How much are injuries costing this team?
By our count, Philly has lost 712 minutes to injury since opening night, ninth most among the 30 teams. Dominick Barlow, at 23.8 minutes a game, is out until an estimated November 4. Ariel Hukporti, at 9.2, is out with an Achilles issue and an estimated return of October 2027.
Are Joel Embiid and LeBron James playing Monday against the Bulls?
Both are Day-To-Day with an estimated return of November 2, so neither is ruled out. By our count, though, 8 of 10 Sixers listed day-to-day since October 20 missed the next game.
What is the Sixers' record and seed?
Philadelphia is 6-1 and the top seed in the East after a three-game winning streak. The Sixers beat Charlotte 109-104 on October 31.
