The Philadelphia 76ers (8-1) own the best record in the early portion of the NBA campaign, thriving despite all the mouths they have to feed. They must preserve their core, though, especially superstar center Joel Embiid. The former MVP has played in seven of the team's nine games so far, but head coach Nick Nurse needs a competent backup center to share in the responsibilities. Adem Bona is typically that guy for head coach Nick Nurse, but he won't be tonight.
Article Continues BelowThe Nigerian center has been downgraded to out with a cervical spine sprain ahead of Friday's NBA Cup East Group B battle versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, per Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. Bona has been an unheralded part of the Sixers' sensational start, averaging 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 block in 14.2 minutes per contest. This will mark the first game he misses this season.