Key Injury Could Alter Outcome of 76ers vs. Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers (4-1) are gearing up for a rematch of the season opener against the New York Knicks (1-3) Friday night at 7:30 PM ET at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Since their first matchup, both teams have trended in two different directions. For the 76ers, they’ve been battle tested in every game they’ve played and come out on top in nearly all of them. The Knicks, on the other hand, have struggled to regain their championship form, and it’s resulted in a slow start for them. There is a new name for the 76ers added to the injury report that has raised some eyebrows.

Here is the injury report for the 76ers-Bucks:

76ers

Jaylen Brown: Questionable - Knee Soreness

Jabari Walker: Out - Knee

Tacko Fall: Out - Hip

Dominick Barlow: Out - Back

Knicks

Jose Alvarado: Out - Ankle

Brown being on the injury report could be of some concern. This is a new injury that has come out of left field for the newest 76er. This makes four of the five starters that have landed on the injury report, and it’s only been five games into the season. This could change how this game is played, and it could mean a heavy reliance on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

One thing that Brown brings is his defense. This team is ranked fifth in defense and Brown is a huge reason for that. If he can’t go, it could open the door for the Knicks to get into a rhythm, something they’ve struggled to do thus far this season. If Brown can’t go, then that would mean that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could step in and provide that defensive help.

This could also mean more minutes for a few bench players like rookie Labaron Philon. This could be the opportunity for Philon to prove he’s starting to understand the nuances of the NBA. He’s shown he can score, and for now, that’s what the 76ers need.

Their bench has been a bit lackluster so maybe for a player like Philon, it could prove to be the breaking point for him to build some confidence for the 76ers. 

Brown’s potential absence could also affect the center position. It could also mean that Dean Wade takes minutes at the '3' position. It would be his more natural position so he could be more effective.

If the 76ers are without Brown, this just makes things a bit harder, and it would also play into the narrative that this team has an injury problem. While it could be true, if the 76ers can power through this, it would mean this team is on another level, and it makes their lore even stronger.