Updated
LeBron James’ first home game as a 76er ended with a 29-point comeback and a double-double. Now, just two days later, his status is suddenly uncertain: Philadelphia listed him as questionable for Saturday’s matchup with Milwaukee.
The official NBA injury report cites low back/sciatica management. That designation does not rule James out; his status could still change before tipoff. The Bucks visit Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the 76ers trying to protect their unbeaten start.
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The timing makes the update especially significant. Saturday is Philadelphia’s third game in five days and the first night of a back-to-back, with Detroit visiting Sunday. Joel Embiid has said he will play in only one of the two weekend games, though it remains unclear which one. That leaves the 76ers managing the workload of both stars as the schedule tightens.
James, 41, is in his record 24th NBA season and his first with Philadelphia. He had 17 points and 10 rebounds Thursday, helping the 76ers recover from a 29-point deficit to beat Cleveland, 114-106. It was the biggest comeback in franchise history during the play-by-play era and the largest comeback win of James’ career.
That rally capped an emotional home debut for James, who said the night was “everything I dreamed of and more.”Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 32 points, Embiid added 24, and Jaylen Brown scored 21. The win put the 76ers at 2-0 after they also came from behind to beat the Knicks in their season opener.
If James sits, Maxey may need to take on an even larger role. He has scored 28 and 32 points through the first two games, while Philadelphia tries to extend its winning start. Embiid’s availability remains a separate question because of his plan to play only once this weekend.
Milwaukee arrives looking for its first win after losses to Washington and Chicago. The Bucks are also playing the second night of a back-to-back, setting up a demanding test for both teams. For Philadelphia, the immediate question is whether James will be available to help the 76ers keep their perfect start alive.