LeBron James missed his first game since joining the Philadelphia 76ers, sitting out Saturday night’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks due to lower back and sciatica injury management, according to an official team injury report.
Forty-One-Year-Old Star Sidelines for First Back-to-Back
The 41-year-old superstar was initially listed as questionable before Philadelphia downgraded him to out on Saturday afternoon. The absence marks the first time James has missed a contest since arriving in Philadelphia for the 2026-27 NBA season. The timing aligns with the team’s first back-to-back sequence of the schedule, which concludes Sunday night when the Sixers host the Detroit Pistons.
Before the campaign began, it was revealed that James was receiving “special attention” for his left foot and lower back because of past issues. Playing through the early slate required 33.5 minutes per contest across his first two appearances, making a workload management plan an expected reality.
James Leads Sixers to Record Comeback Victory
Through his first two games in Philadelphia, James posted averages of 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. The Sixers opened the season 2-0 with victories against the defending champion New York Knicks and the Eastern Conference finalist Cleveland Cavaliers. Thursday’s 29-point comeback victory against Cleveland was the largest deficit overcome by any team featuring James during his 24th NBA season, a record in the NBA.
Redistributing Minutes Against Milwaukee
With James unavailable, Philadelphia adjusted its rotation to face the Milwaukee Bucks. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown absorbed expanded offensive duties, while Joel Embiid played.
Next Matchup Against Detroit
The Sixers return to the floor Sunday night to face the Detroit Pistons at home, completing their weekend set. Official updates on James’ availability for Sunday’s game will be released through the team’s pre-game injury report.
BREAKING: LeBron James is out for tonight’s game against the Bucks due to sciatica management. 😕 pic.twitter.com/fEGL5vcv08
Related reading
- Juan Núñez Leads Barça to Victory Over Casademont Zaragoza
- Knicks’ MSG Sparks Backlash After Using Fake Championship Rings in Employee Phishing Test
- Tottenham Faces Injury Crisis Before Chelsea Derby (bytewire.news)
- The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime at Raymond James Stadium on (breakinglatest.news)
