LeBron fills in at center
The Philadelphia 76ers suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, falling 106-93 to the Detroit Pistons. With Joel Embiid sidelined due to right foot plantar fasciitis management, LeBron James had to start at center.
It was only the 15th time in the 24 year career of James that he started at center. The 6 foot 9 star, who turns 42 in December, matched up against Paul Reed. James finished with 18 points, five assists, and two rebounds. He made it clear after the game that he does not want this to become a permanent job. He pointed out that Joel Embiid is on the team and said nobody wants him playing at center full time.
Frontcourt injuries mount
Philadelphia faced Detroit without several key players. Besides Embiid, the frontcourt missing list included Jabari Walker with a knee issue, Dominick Barlow with a back injury, and Tacko Fall out with a quad injury. Rebounding guard VJ Edgecombe was also missing due to an abdominal contusion.
Head coach Nick Nurse mentioned before the game that the team had only about three players available who could possibly play at center. The lack of size showed on the boards. Opponents have outrebounded Philadelphia in every game this season. Milwaukee outrebounded them by 22 on Saturday, and Detroit beat them on the glass by 17 on Sunday. Guard Tyrese Maxey stated that getting their tall players back would be a great fix.
Adem Bona provides a spark
With so many players out, Adem Bona was the only true center available on Sunday. He played a season high 25 minutes, scoring six points and pulling down 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive end.
James praised the young center after the game, calling his energy and effort amazing. James noted that Bona gave the team a needed spark on both ends of the floor and expects his work rate to help the team across the entire season.
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