The 2026-27 NBA season’s first matchday has multiple blockbuster fixtures to look forward. The new-look Philadelphia 76ers take on the defending champions, the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and there will be plenty of excitement to see how the two teams line up in their first game of the season.
The season’s first injury report for the 76ers does not have big man Joel Embiid listed. Instead, it includes another one of the 76ers’ potential starters in the form of Dean Wade, who has been listed as questionable due to an ankle injury that he picked up in Philadelphia’s final preseason game against the Boston Celtics.
While Embiid is fit and ready to play, two players who were expected to receive minutes behind him are both on the injury list. Ariel Hukporti and Dominick Barlow are both out due to injuries, while Adam Bona and Anfernee Simons join Wade in the questionable list. Tacko Fall, another backup center behind Embiid, is also out for this game.
The New York Knicks, on the other hand, enter their first game of the season without a single player listed on the injury report. The Knicks have all five of their postseason starters to count upon.
Karl-Anthony Towns is likely to start at Center with Josh Hart and OG Anunoby as the forwards. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges are also fit to start. The 76ers, meanwhile, will also have their best players to count upon.
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown are expected to start as forwards with Embiid at Center. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are also likely to notch up their first starts of the season.
76ers Injury Report
Dominick Barlow: Out (Injury/Illness – Low Back Stress Reaction)
Adem Bona: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Left Foot Sprain)
Tacko Fall: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Quadriceps Strain)
Ariel Hukporti: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Achilles Tendon Rupture / Tear)
Article Continues BelowAnfernee Simons: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Left Hamstring Tightness / Soreness)
Dean Wade: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Left Ankle Sprain)
Knicks Injury Report
None