All signs point to Jalen Brunson and Towns playing minutes against the 76ers, as both are available. Knicks coach Mike Brown plans a light workload for his starters throughout the preseason, so most of the minutes will go to reserves and to five veterans on non-guaranteed deals chasing what is likely one open roster spot.

Those taking on the heavy minute load will be those five: Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, and Tony Bradley. It is the first meeting since New York swept Philadelphia 4-0 in the 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals on the way to their first NBA title since 1973.

Regulating minutes makes sense for Brunson

The caution makes sense. Brunson spent much of the summer in a cast after undergoing surgery to repair a tendon in his left wrist. Also, Josh Hart is playing despite having a right ring finger injury that requires a joint replacement—a procedure he will not undergo until he retires, as the surgery would end his career.

Do not expect to see a huge performance from Jalen Brunson this Monday. However, it is worth noting that, according to a report by the New York Daily News, the team arrived in “pretty good shape” after a Finals run that extended into June.

The Knicks face a direct rival. As is well known, the Knicks are coming off a dominant campaign that culminated in their first championship since 1973. Unlike the Sixers, this group has been together for a long time, so building chemistry quickly is likely not as important as making sure everyone is healthy after a long summer.

However, as is known, the Sixers will not have their starting lineup available: LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona are ruled out for the preseason opener against the Knicks. This gives the advantage to the defending NBA champions.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are expected to play against the 76ers.
• A 4-0 sweep was achieved by New York in the 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals.
• Right ring finger injury requires eventual joint replacement for Josh Hart.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid are among the healthy inactives for the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning they are out for the matchup. The decision is tactical, likely aimed at avoiding exposing both players to potential injury.

Furthermore, they will not be the only ones sitting out, as the Sixers will not have several of their biggest names on the floor. Tyrese Maxey is also ruled out, while Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona, and Tacko Fall are among the other Philadelphia players unavailable for the opener.

Concerning injury report for LeBron

James had been seen participating comfortably in training sessions with the 76ers, but a report emerged today that raises concern among 76ers fans regarding how the veteran is entering this season. The ruling comes on the same day that ESPN’s Dave McMenamin provided additional insight into James’ physical condition entering his 24th NBA season.

McMenamin reported that James is dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot, with special attention paid to the area during his daily training routine. His lower back is also being monitored after sciatica caused him to miss the first month of last season.

These factors make workload management a major consideration for Philadelphia, especially given James’ age and the length of the regular season. The Sixers are already analyzing how to manage that workload and handle back-to-back games as they prepare for the season.

Embiid’s physical status

That lingering worry over LeBron can be eased by the progress made by Embiid. Hours before tipoff, Philadelphia received another encouraging sign about the former MVP’s physical condition.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported Monday on “NBA Today” that Embiid has slimmed down to his rookie weight following an offseason in which the 32-year-old finally had an opportunity to focus on training instead of rehabilitation.

Embiid was listed at 250 pounds coming out of Kansas before Philadelphia selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2014 NBA draft. His current NBA profile lists him at 270 pounds. If true, this represents a highly significant change given Embiid’s injury history. It remains a shame that fans will have to wait to see LeBron and Joel share the floor.

Key takeaways

• Healthy inactives keep LeBron James and Joel Embiid out against the New York Knicks.
• Chronic arthritis in his left foot was reported ahead of his 24th season.
• A return to rookie weight was reported following an offseason focused on training.

Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year, $116 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, featuring a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

To put the timeline into perspective, LeBron‘s deal with the 76ers expires in June 2027 if he decides not to use his opt-out option, or extends through June 2028 if he decides to play the optional second year. This could potentially open the door for James to leave the franchise as a free agent and seek to play one final year with the Warriors, enjoying that potential last season alongside Curry, though such a scenario remains highly complicated to pull off.

Curry’s career with the Warriors

The 38-year-old Curry has spent his entire 17-year NBA career with the Warriors. The contract will tie him through age 40 – and possibly to the end of his career – with the franchise that selected him seventh overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Curry, a 12-time All-Star and two-time MVP, was limited to 43 games in the 2025-26 season due to a right knee injury. His 30.9 minutes per game represented the third-lowest figure of his career, yet he still averaged 26.6 points and 4.7 assists per contest.

Curry holds the NBA record for 3-pointers made with 4,248 and ranks 19th on the all-time scoring list with 26,528 points. His legacy is indisputable. Now, following his contract extension, his future with the Warriors leaves no room for doubt either.

A notable detail in Curry’s career

The affection is mutual. Despite frequent complaints regarding the front office and the Warriors‘ poor attempts to adequately build around Curry while he remains elite, a key detail stands out: He has never been eligible for free agency in his career and, depending on when he plans to retire, might never be.

Green was asked to name the most impactful signing on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” and went with James without much hesitation. “I think LeBron,” Green said. “Just with his championship experience, his leadership on a team that hasn’t been able to get over the hump, I think that makes it a very impactful and interesting signing for Philly.”

James took forever to make his free-agency decision and ultimately signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers with a player option for the second year. Even if you disagree that this is the most impactful signing, this is the best-value contract in the NBA.

LeBron James’ production and impact for the 76ers

Even at 41 years old, James maintains elite-level production. James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26. The 41-year-old remains an incredibly impactful player.

As Green mentioned, James, a four-time NBA champion, is also going to a franchise that hasn’t tasted success for a very long time. The 76ers won their last NBA title in 1983, and last made the NBA Finals in 2001. That was also the last time the franchise reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Postseason heartbreak has been the norm for the 76ers, and James believes he can help make the squad a championship team. The 22-time All-Star will have plenty of help, of course.

James is joining forces with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and another new addition in Jaylen Brown. With four All-Stars on its roster, the 76ers squad is most certainly a superteam. Brown also has championship pedigree, having won it all with the Boston Celtics in 2024. There is a lot to like with the 76ers, and if the group clicks, the rest of the NBA is in trouble.

The resulting fan backlash on social media has reached a fever pitch, particularly after the Warriors officially announced the low-profile offseason signings of role players Georges Niang and Brandon Williams.

Dismayed supporters flooded online forums to vent their frustration, with fans posting comments like “Steph should do himself a favor and request a trade,” “I thought we were landing a superstar,” and “This front office is becoming a major problem.” Dub Nation remains deeply skeptical about how the roster will fare in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Thompson has already publicly expressed his excitement about teaming up with Giannis in South Beach, and the 76ers are finalizing logistics for LeBron‘s upcoming introductory press conference in Philadelphia.

A passive offseason leaves Golden State vulnerable

What hurts most for the fanbase is Golden State’s striking inertia. With Jimmy Butler still rehabbing from injury, Draymond Green departing the franchise, and Stephen Curry’s long-term future shrouded in uncertainty, the Warriors risk tumbling into NBA irrelevance before training camp even opens.

While rival contenders aggressively re-tooled through high-profile trades and free agency, Golden State’s primary responses to their roster exodus were Niang (via the Atlanta Hawks) and Williams (via the Dallas Mavericks).

At this stage, faithful supporters are no longer expecting a return to the dynasty years. Instead, they are simply hoping this patchwork group can stay competitive enough to scramble into the Western Conference playoff picture.

While the Sixers do not have a roster spot to make further additions at this time, the franchise is reportedly keeping its options open. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the 76ers could be eyeing Kevin Love as a potential option down the line.

“Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in touch with the Philadelphia 76ers‘ front office since James picked Philadelphia, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin reported. “Though the 6-foot-10 Love and James have remained close since teaming up for four seasons with the Cavaliers and even vacationed extensively together this summer, that bond doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a roster spot for the former five-time All-Star by training camp.”

The Love and LeBron partnership

Love and LeBron have remained close after spending four years together with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The duo participated in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship reunion tour this summer.

LeBron and Love played together in Cleveland from 2014 to 2018, reaching four consecutive Finals together. Their biggest achievement came in 2016, when the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to capture their first title.

During their four-year run together from 2014 to 2018, Love averaged 17.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Love ultimately played nine seasons in Cleveland from 2014 until he was traded in the middle of the 2022-23 season. Across nine seasons as a Cavalier, Love averaged 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

Love’s recent performance

Love averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game last NBA season while shooting 39.7% from the field and 37.3% from the three-point range. At 38 years old, he is obviously no longer the All-Star he once was, but he can still stretch the floor and provide valuable veteran leadership in a limited capacity.

And while the 76ers certainly do not need any further moves, it may not stop President Mike Gansey from making one final pursuit. According to the latest intel, the pursuit could involve former 76ers star Ben Simmons, who has been out of action since the 2024-25 season. “Ben Simmons could be the protagonist of one of the most surprising comebacks of the summer in the NBA,” reported Sixers insider Diego Jimenez.

“The Philadelphia 76ers are considering adding the Australian with a one-year minimum salary contract to complete the last spot on their roster, an operation that just a few months ago would have seemed unthinkable. However, the arrival of LeBron James, the team’s lack of interior depth, and Simmons’ desire to return to the league have completely changed the scenario.”

Why this scenario might not happen

Everything would work in an ideal scenario, but one factor could prevent this from happening. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted the impossibility of such a deal.

“The 76ers are only $1.8 million below their first apron hard cap. There’s been no talk of them getting rid of anyone on their current roster, and therefore, they can’t sign Simmons or someone else to a minimum,” explained Siegel on X.

Simmons had his best years in Philadelphia, which drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2016. In his four seasons with the Sixers, he became Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA selection, and a two-time All-Defensive Team member.

Simmons’ glory years

During the 2021 playoffs, when Simmons was at the heart of an ugly collapse, he forced his way out by ghosting the team and refusing to participate in any basketball activities. Eventually, a full season went by before he played again, and nobody ever thought he would return to Philadelphia.

In fact, there was serious doubt that Simmons would ever play in the NBA again. With averages of 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 43.4% shooting from the field in 2024-25, his game and production saw a sharp decline, and interest in his services has been minimal ever since.

However, his peak form should not be forgotten. Before his downfall, Simmons was easily one of the best young wing players in the league, boasting a stat line of 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 58.0% shooting from the field and 28% from three-point range.

In the end, Bam Adebayo still has nothing but love and respect for LeBron James as he takes his talents elsewhere. Speaking to reporters at his camp, Adebayo made it clear that everything is good between them.

“I’m cool with Bron,” Adebayo told reporters. “I consider Bron like a brother, honestly. We’ve been Olympic teammates, but even before that, we’ve always had down-to-earth conversations. I’m happy for him. You want what’s best for somebody. That’s really how you go from there.”

The Miami Heat were notably in the mix among several teams strongly pursuing LeBron James’ big-time unrestricted free agency this summer. Yet in the end, the team failed in its hunt as the four-time NBA MVP chose the Philadelphia 76ers for the next stop of his illustrious career.

James to compete against Heat in the East

James inked an astounding two-year, $8 million veteran’s minimum contract with the 76ers, giving himself the best possible chance to win his fifth ring by joining a stacked Philadelphia roster headlined by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown.

After James informed the Los Angeles Lakers he will not return this offseason, the Heat strongly fantasized about a potential reunion with the superstar, who led the franchise to back-to-back NBA titles through four consecutive NBA Finals appearances last decade.

Upon landing Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat strongly sought to reconnect with James behind the efforts of Pat Riley. But as things turned out, the team will find itself facing James as another key opponent from its conference rival 76ers, as anticipation cannot get any higher for the upcoming NBA season.

Adebayo and Giannis pursue dominance

Adebayo was also asked about his early conversations with Giannis Antetokounmpo. “We’re ready to get to work,” Adebayo said. “The goal is to win a championship. We have a like-minded focus. Those first conversations are really about winning.”

Antetokounmpo and Adebayo were both clearly excited at the prospect of teaming up with James, and the Heat had built their summer around that possibility. What the squad has instead is a Giannis-Adebayo frontcourt that, on paper, is the most physically dominant pairing in the Eastern Conference, alongside a roster with enough remaining flexibility to add veterans who fit.

Golden State still has a few roster spots available and could continue making smaller additions before the season begins. The Warriors could also look to add a new face, with Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley believing Dalen Terry could be an intriguing option.

“The 76ers just waived Terry to help make room for LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. That gives the Warriors an opportunity to take a flier on a 24-year-old wing with size (6’6″) and athleticism. If the Dubs want to fill out the roster with a more experienced wing than Lajae Jones, Terry is a decent option,” Akeley wrote.

The Warriors as an ideal landing spot

Terry is a young player seeking an opportunity, and Golden State could give him a chance to prove himself. He found himself on the outside looking in after Philadelphia needed roster space to add James and Caldwell-Pope.

Terry has earned $15 million throughout his young NBA career. The Warriors are simply looking to add depth, and taking a chance on a young player with something to prove could be the right move for Golden State.

A lack of major moves for Golden State

The Warriors have remained in their comfort zone, making no groundbreaking moves. Essentially, the franchise has opted to re-sign players already in its ranks with new contracts, bringing back Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Charles Bassey.

Golden State Warriors‘ sole acquisition has been Yaxel Lendenborg, the No. 11 overall pick—making for an NBA offseason that has truly fallen short of expectations.

In Durant’s view, the 76ers as currently constructed are almost just as stacked as that Warriors team, and he will not make the mistake of underestimating their potential—with good reason, considering the starting five Philadelphia features.

“The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on,” Durant told ESPN’s Ben Golliver. “[The 76ers] have got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender. They’re going to be a fun team to watch. It’s going to be League Pass-worthy.”

Durant on LeBron’s situation

LeBron‘s free agency has been the biggest story of the summer, and he took special care not to let anyone know which way he was leaning. Only a select few people were involved in the process, and very few predicted he would end up in Philly.

“I didn’t know at all,” Durant said regarding the decision. “LeBron is stealth like that. I know there’s a lot of noise around him, but you never know what’s on his mind. I’m happy for him. It’s a great decision for him to go to a team that has a good chance to win. Philly is a great fan base, a great market, and it’s great for the league. There were so many eyes that were tuned into his decision.”

As far as their chances of success, there is a reason LeBron chose the Sixers out of all the other teams. With Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, they have the most talented core in the NBA, and the King will only enhance their performance on the court. The key to making it work, among other factors, will be using LeBron in a playmaker role to set up teammates and simplify the offense.

This approach mirrors what Durant accomplished upon his arrival with the Warriors, joining a roster that featured Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala—all in their prime—alongside an unmatched depth chart in the NBA.

During an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Iverson declared Jordan as the GOAT over James, while acknowledging that fans ultimately determine their own personal consensus on who stands as the best player of all time in the NBA.

“The way I look at it, Michael is always going to be the GOAT to me … and LeBron to me, I feel like if you go in the dictionary and you look up ‘basketball player,’ you’ll see LeBron James,” Iverson said. “And the whole GOAT thing to me I think a lot of times it gets out of hand because I think a lot of times people will take away from only player and what they did, to boost up the other player.”

“That’s not what you do. I feel like a lot of times, people get caught up in the whole GOAT thing, but your GOAT is your GOAT. You have your opinion to name anyone your GOAT if you want to … you’re not wrong by saying anyone’s your GOAT. I had my fans say I’m the GOAT all the time. I don’t agree with them because I think it’s Mike.”

Allen Iverson’s explanation

A fascinating aspect of Iverson‘s response is acknowledging that his own fans have called him the GOAT. However, to him, the distinction belongs to Jordan, emphasizing that every fan holds their own answer for their own reasons. It remains a personalized distinction for every NBA supporter.

Another key point Iverson makes is that people often get caught up in the James versus Jordan debate, which ultimately serves as a subjective exercise—providing one of the more nuanced takes on the conversation.

Iverson’s reaction to LeBron joining Philadelphia

The recent arrival of James raised expectations across the board, particularly for Philadelphia fans like Iverson, who reacted enthusiastically while wishing the best for the NBA franchise.

The 76ers legend could not contain his excitement upon learning James signed with the team. “I LOVE LIFE!! GOD don’t play about me and mine,” Iverson wrote on Instagram.