Ariel Hukporti injury clouds positive preseason opener for 76ers

Ariel Hukporti’s right Achilles injury has injected uncertainty into the 76ers’ preseason after the team beat the New York Knicks 120–97 in their opener. Hukporti left the game about five minutes in, reportedly after a right Achilles injury suffered while trying to close out on a shooter without contact. Imaging is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the severity. The 76ers were already thin at center: Joel Embiid is healthy but limited to some action in the remaining exhibition games, while Adem Bona is recovering from a foot sprain, and Tacko Fall is dealing with a hip injury. Emergency options included small-ball from Dominick Barlow, who missed Monday with a back issue. Head coach Nick Nurse and players, including Jaylen Brown, expressed hope the injury is not severe.