Observations after Sixers win preseason opener, Brown scores 22 in 1st half

Observations after Sixers win preseason opener, Brown scores 22 in 1st half originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers kicked off their preseason Monday night with a 120-97 win over the defending champion Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

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Jaylen Brown scored 22 points in the first half and watched the second from the bench.

The Sixers sat a slew of players, including LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona (left foot sprain) and Tacko Fall (left hip strain).

Ariel Hukporti exited in the first quarter after a non-contact right Achilles tendon injury. More on that below.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said before the game that Barlow has a minor back injury and Simons has “muscle tightness.” He expected both players to see game action soon. Simons worked out with Brown following the Sixers’ Monday morning shootaround.

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Nurse did not note any other Sixers health issues pregame. He said he anticipates most of the Sixers’ key pieces playing in at least two of the team’s four preseason contests. Next up is a road game Thursday night against the Nets.

Here are observations on the Sixers’ preseason opener:

Hukporti exits early

The Sixers started VJ Edgecombe, Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dean Wade and Hukporti.

The night’s first points came courtesy of reigning Finals MVP Jalen Brunson. He sunk a turnaround jumper for the Knicks, who began with their typical starters and were close to a full-strength squad,

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Hukporti assisted the Sixers’ first make with a sharp dish to Wade for a backdoor layup. Unfortunately for the new Sixers center, he didn’t make it through the first quarter.

Hukporti fell awkwardly while guarding Karl-Anthony Towns on the perimeter and stayed down with an apparent right lower leg or ankle injury. He limped to the sideline with heavy assistance from Towns and Sixers teammates at the 7:06 mark of the first.

Nurse said postgame that Hukporti would have imaging Tuesday on his right Achilles.

“I just saw him for a little bit during the game and gave him a big hug,” he said. “He’s been a joy to coach in the short time…

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Publish date : 2026-10-05 21:28:00

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